Slovenia's Primož Roglič secured overall victory in the first UAE Tour in Dubai ©Getty Images

Slovenia's Primož Roglič, who went into today’s final leg of the inaugural UAE Tour with a 31 seconds lead over his nearest challenger, duly secured the overall title as Ireland’s Sam Bennett claimed his first major stage win of the year.

This International Cycling Federation (UCI) WorldTour event in the United Arab Emirates was formed as part of a merger between the existing Dubai and Abu Dhabi Tour races, and Roglič , riding for Jumbo-Visma, became first overall winner as he crossed the line safely.

On a day of high winds gusting up to 40 kilometres pe hour, Roglič registered an overall time of 26 hours 27min 29sec, finishing 31 seconds clear of the world champion, Movistar’s Alejandro Valverde of Spain.

Ireland's Sam Bennett celebrates victory in the seventh and final stage of the UAE Tour event in Dubai today ©Getty Images
Ireland's Sam Bennett celebrates victory in the seventh and final stage of the UAE Tour event in Dubai today ©Getty Images

France’s David Gaudu, of Groupama-FDJ, was 44 seconds back.

With a major headwind blowing on the final straight, Bennett, riding for Bora-Hansgrohe, waited until the last possible moment to emerge from the wheel of leader Fernando Gaviria, the Colombian riding for UAE Team Emirates.

The Irishman went on to win the 145 kilometres seventh and final stage from Dubai Safari Park to City Walk in 3:17:51, with Gavira finishing second ahead of Australia’s Caleb Ewan, riding for Lotto-Soudal.