Valverde takes first victory as world champion

Paris - Alejandro Valverde gained his first victory since winning the world road race title in September when he took the third stage of the UAE Tour on Tuesday.

The Spanish Movistar rider edged Slovene Primoz Roglic in a sprint at the end of a hilly 179km ride from Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet.

Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) retained his overall lead, 14 seconds ahead of Valverde.

Results from the 179km third stage of the UAE Tour from Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet:

1. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) 4hr 44min 50sec

2. Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) s.t.

3. David Gaudu (FRA/FDJ) s.t.

4. Emanuel Buchmann (GER/BOR) +4sec

5. Dan Martin (IRL/EAU) +12.

General classification:

1. Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) 9hr 38min 5sec

2. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) +14sec

3. David Gaudu (FRA/FDJ) +31

4. Emanuel Buchmann (GER/BOR) +39

5. Wilco Kelderman (NED/SUN) +47