Sam Bennett (Detunink-Quickstep) gave his all on the final climb to the Hatta Dam on the second stage of the UAE Tour, but had to settle for second place behind last year's dam buster Caleb Yuan (Lot Soudal).

It was Bennett who first kicked the line, and although he briefly held the lead, he had to concede defeat to his Australian rival.

In the team van under the setting sun and the summit of Hatta Dam, Bennett stressed that he was happy with his run, but a crucial mistake in the finale cost him dearly.

"I don't know what I did in the last 50 meters or so.

"I checked to the right and then went into the barrier for a moment. He closed it down about a length and I couldn't get it back, but I kicked it again and we pulled away for a moment. The gearing was fine, but there wasn't much else I could do."

Ewan, who is lighter, won in similar circumstances 12 months ago. He finished second to Pascal Ackermann on the first stage, but told reporters that he was unlikely to repeat his success at Hatta Dam.

The route is said to be more testing this time around, with a slightly different approach to the final climb. The pace and steepness of the undulating climb was certainly tough on some riders, with Mark Cavendish, Ackermann, and the returning Chris Froome falling before the final climb.

Bennett was well protected by his teammates and shared his power at the finish.

"I ran at 1400 watts for 5 seconds, but after the climb and run up, it's uphill for the entire 6 km.

"After racing in the finale, it's good for my head to know that I can put in an effort like this. I am happy with my performance."

Bennett may not have a win here in the UAE Tour, but there are still three possible sprint stages left to deal with. Form is clearly in the right place.