Before the UAE Tour time trial, Tadei Pogachar seemed relaxed after the warm-up, dancing to the music playing through his headphones, but the leader of UAE Team Emirates was serious during the ride, and very fast, clocking 10:01 He recorded a time of 10:01.

This was the fourth fastest time behind stage winner Stefan Bissegger (EF Education-Easy Post), and only Tom Dumoulin (Jumbo-Visma) was faster among the overall contenders for the 2022 World Tour opener.

Bissegger clocked 9:43, seven seconds ahead of time trial world champion Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers), while Dumoulin was third in 9:57.

Pogachar was 4 seconds slower than Dumoulin, but was pleased with his run and the time difference from his overall rivals, freshly recovered from COVID-19.

"It was a really fast course, really flying pace.

"On the way back I had raw power and did my best. It was the best intensity I've ever had, so I'm pretty happy with that. It was a good time."

UAE Team Emirates is competing in its home tour and the pressure and expectation is on to win again after Pogachar won the overall in 2021.

If Pogachar struggles in the crucial mountain finishes of Jebel Jais on Wednesday and the summit of Jebel Hafit on Sunday, newcomer Joao Almeida will be the favorite to win the UAE Tour. Time bonuses in both finishes favor Pogachar due to his aggressiveness and fast finishes, but Almeida can provide important support and alternatives.

Almeida finished fifth in the time trial, four seconds slower than Pogachar. Former U-23 World Champion Mikel Bjarg was another 2 seconds slower in sixth place, showing the determination of UAE Team Emirates.

"I feel good for tomorrow and the next few days," Pogachar said with growing confidence.

"Everyone is very good and I am very happy for Joao and Mikkel. So are Joao and Mikkel, and so is Rafa Mahaka. They are all in great shape."