Just three days after the big team presentation in the Innviertel, the Felt Felbermayr Wels team started the racing season today in the United Arab Emirates in midsummer weather. The first stage of the Tour of Sharjah (UCI 2.2.) over 134.4 kilometers from Sharjah Fort to Kalba Fort was already intense. After a three-man leading group was caught again on the mostly flat section towards the middle of the race, a breakaway group with Felt Felbermayr driver Miguel Heidemann tried again. However, the new addition to the Wels team, like other professional cyclists, had to drop out; only three men remained at the top. With their last bit of strength, this trio managed to reach the finish five seconds ahead of the rushing peloton. Winner Jesse Ewart (Terengganu Cycling Team) from Ireland was correspondingly happy, crossing the finish line after 2:59:55 hours. In the sprint of the main field, Patryk Stosz took 6th place after exactly three hours of driving time and thus a top 10 place for the Felt Felbermayr team in the first race. “We are happy with sixth place at the start, but our stages are yet to come,” emphasizes racing director Rupert Hödlmoser.