Fernando Gaviria went head to head with some of the best sprinters in the world as he fought the bunch to take the wheel of Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma) in the final metres of Stage 4, just missing out on victory to the Dutchman in a tense finale.

Gaviria was a faller in a low speed crash in the peloton earlier in the race but recovered and finished well in another close sprint all the way to the line.

Tucked in behind and looked to move out with 50m to go, it was too late for the fastman as he takes his first podium of the tour.

The Colombian said: “It was a fast stage with a tail wind for most of the day. The team worked well together and were always by my side. We went for the win and we came very close.

“The level of sprinters here is very high so I’m pleased with my result and it gives me confidence for the next sprint to know that the form is there.”

No change in the GC as the team managed to keep Tadej Pogacar and Diego Ulissi both out of harm’s way with the Slovenian remaining in second place and Ulissi in the top ten.

Pogacar also keeps the white jersey for tomorrow’s stage 5.

The Al Ain Stage on Thursday sees the team return to the mountains. A familiar route to the former Abu Dhabi Tour that passes many of Al Ain’s biggest attractions including Al Ain Zoo, Al Qattara, Al Hili and Al Ain Oasis.

The stage finishes with the second Jebel Hafeet ascent of the week where Tadej Pogacar will be looking to make his mark after placing second in Stage 3.