Luke Plapp impresses on first stage-race at INEOS Grenadiers

After being wildly regarding as one of the most promising riders in the new generation that's arriving at the World Tour, Plapp has confirmed his climbing prowess at the UAE Tour where he was a key domestique for Adam Yates assisting him for the second place overall, after a very mixed week.

The Australian crashed on the recon of the third stage's time-trial in Ajman and gathered a lot of attention over starting the stage with a road bike. Eventually, that cost him time that would have been valuable in the GC fight, alongside some seconds lost in the opening stage as surely a GC tilt was not the focus. After putting on an impressive display on Jebel Jais, closing gaps throughout the ascent and launching an attack in the final kilometer, he has once again impressed in the queen stage, finishing fifth.

Despite several unnecessary time losses, Plapp still went on to finish the race in 12th place 2:11 minutes down on Tadej Pogacar. A strong GC placement for a debut at World Tour level, but still one that leads to more promise than what was the case already. After beating Richie Porte at Old Willunga Hill at the 2021's Santos Festival of Cycling alongside the Australian ITT national championships, the Melbourne native was quickly brought to the attention of the World Tour division. He signed as a trainee for INEOS Grenadiers starting from August last year and finished runner-up in the U23 ITT world championships.

After taking the win in his home country, Plapp is now proudly wearing the colours of Australia in his equipment. It is unclear where he will resume racing but he will surely be taken into account as another very talented stage-racer in the British team, which now have another card to play in the mountains.