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Abu Dhabi [UAE], February 18 (ANI/WAM): UAE Team Emirates took two podiums in two races today with Juan Ayuso taking 2nd on the 4.5km TT at the Vuelta Andalucia, while Rui Oliveira sprinted to a close 2nd place on stage 3 of the Volta Algarve.
Ayuso not only took second on the stage but also in the final general classification after the race was suspended due to the lack of police personnel available due to agriculture worker strikes in the region. The young Spaniard blitzed the short course starting and finishing in Alcaudete (4.5km) just 10" off stage and race winner Maxim Van Gils (Lotto Dstny). Tim Wellens came home in 5th place while Marc Soler also entered the top-10 in 8th spot, making UAE Team Emirates the strongest team on the day. Ayuso said, "It was always going to be tight with the TT so short, but I can be happy with 2nd place. Obviously, we would like to have done more racing this week but unfortunately, the situation is out of our hands. I guess I will have to wait a bit longer to complete my first Vuelta Andalucia. I'm excited to take on the next races at the Ardeche classics in France next weekend." Meanwhile, Rui Oliveira came close to a victory on his home soil with 2nd place to Wout Van Aert (Visma LAB) on stage 3 of the Vuelta Algarve. The Portuguese rider timed his sprint well though he saw himself slightly outpowered by the Belgian. Oliveira said, "To lose to someone like Van Aert you can't be too disappointed. I nearly converted the chance to sprint for the win, so I can be pleased with that. I had a good race and knew I just had to wait as late as possible to open up the sprint. I couldn't have done anything else so no regrets today." (ANI/WAM)
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