Pavel Sivakov claims his first stage race victory for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, as João Almeida finishes sixth on final stage time trial to take second place at Volta ao Algarve
Sunday 23 February, 2025
A jam-packed week of racing came to an end on Sunday afternoon, with both the Vuelta a Andalucía and Volta ao Algarve coming to their conclusions in Europe. After Tadej Pogačar’s stage and overall victory at the UAE Tour, Pavel Sivakov followed suit in Andalucía, coming home safely on the final stage to take the GC win for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The victory marks Sivakov’s first stage race success in UAE Team Emirates-XRG colours, and sees the Frenchman pick up his first win of the season. It is also his first GC victory since the 2022 Vuelta a Burgos.
On the final stage in Spain, the day’s victory went to Jon Barrenetxea (Movistar) from the breakaway, with the peloton crossing the line in unison to pull the curtain down on five entertaining stages. In truth, the battle for the overall victory was played out in the first half of the race, with Sivakov finishing third on stages 1 and 2, propelling himself into the leader’s yellow jersey.
Since taking the race lead, however, the 27-year-old has had to remain attentive and in this regard, Sivakov has been ably supported by his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates. Also finishing stage 5 within the peloton, Tim Wellens sealed fifth place overall, while Marc Soler ends the race as the best-placed Spanish rider in seventh. In doing so, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG man leaves Andalucía with a special pink jersey for his troubles.
Speaking to the team following the podium ceremony, Sivakov had nothing but praise for Soler, Wellens and their teammates Igor Arrieta, Julius Johansen and Pablo Torres.
Sivakov: “It was a great week of racing. The first two opening days were the hardest days and that is where I managed to take the yellow jersey. After that, I had the best team around me and they really covered me perfectly throughout the final three days. They did an amazing job, especially in moments which could have been dangerous. We never had any trouble because the team was amazing and supported me so well.
“Even today, everybody rode amazingly strong. I was worried that maybe some attacks would fire in the first part of the race, but actually, we were so strong as a group that nobody even tried. I am super super happy to bring this yellow jersey home.”
Vuelta a Andalucía general classification after stage 5
- Pavel Sivakov (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 19:41:03
- Clément Berthet (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) +23″
- Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) +26″
