Dan Martin of UAE Team Emirates came in the Top 10 of the Tour de France General Classification on Sunday and was awarded as the most combative rider.
The Irishman finished in eight place overall, after ninth and sixth place finishes in 2016 and 2017.
“I honestly can’t believe I’ve been give the super combativity prize,” Martin is quoted as saying by the Irish Times. “I really wanted to be on the podium in Paris but I didn’t think I’d do it this way – especially as I haven’t taken the price on any of the stages. But it’s an honour and I’m speechless.”
Martin said the reason he came to UAE Team Emirates was to “help create a legacy”.
“It has been the mission of the team from the very beginning to bring cycling to the people of the UAE and inspire generations of cyclists,” he told Cycling News.
The event marked only the second appearance by UAE Team Emirates’ at the Tour de France after having been formed last season.
Overall, Team Movistar came in first, followed by Bahrain – Merida and Team Sky.
The event was won by Briton Gerant Thomas, after the 21st and final stage was won by UAE team sprinter Alexander Kristoff,
“It’s a dream come true,” said Kristoff. “I’ve dreamt about this victory for many years.”
Thomas, a member of Team Sky, finished the race in Paris nearly two-minutes ahead of Sunweb’s Tom Dumoulin, with teammate and defending champion Chris Froome coming in third place.
“It’s still not sinking in. It’s incredible,” Thomas said. “Big respect to Froomey. It could have been awkward, there could have been tension…he’s a great champion and I’ve always had respect for you.”
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