The curtain closed on the final stage of the Hammer Series with UAE Team Emirates finishing seventh in the Team Time Trial – and 14th overall.

Team Sky triumphed and won the inaugural series.

Reflecting on the race, UAE Team Emirates rider Filippo Ganna said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the first ever edition of the Hammer Series. We’ve all had the chance to be part of something that has the potential to become an important event on the racing calendar.”

The Hammer Series consisted of three high-intensity race days that tested teams across multiple cycling disciplines, with 18 teams taking part in each stage, including 12 UCI WorldTour teams.

Meanwhile at the Critérium du Dauphiné in south-eastern France, rider Diego Ulissi clinched third place in the first of eight stages while English team-mate Ben Swift came in ninth.

Commenting on his third place position, 27-year-old Ulissi said: “I am surprised yet so happy with my good performance. I wasn’t sure how I would fare, especially after the intense altitude training we just finished in Italy, but the result is a testament to how it helps our performance. I would’ve liked to win but I’m happy with the results.”

UAE Team Emirates will be racing at the Critérium du Dauphiné until Monday, 12 June and then at the Tour de Suisse from Saturday, 10 June until Monday, 19 June.

The next Grand Tour will be the Tour de France which takes place from Saturday, 1 July until Sunday, 23 July.