Roberto Ferrari (Lampre-Merida) continued his good showing in the Dubai Tour when he took his second top 6 result of the race on the final day. The speedy Italian finished 4th in the bunch sprint but regretted losing the final podium spot just before the line.

Roberto Ferrari failed to take the elusive win in his first year as a Lampre-Merida rider but based on his performance in the early part of 2014 the victory is not too far away. In the second bunch sprint, the fast Italian again proved his speed when he finished 4th on the final stage.

Ferrari proved his own speed but will also take plenty of confidence from the fact that his lead-out train of Filippo Pozzato, Niccolo Bonifazio, Andrea Palini and Davide Cimolai again managed to position him perfectly for the finale. For a long time, it seemed that a podium was within reach for the former Giro stage winner but a fast finish from Andrea Guardini (Astana) denied him the final spot in the top 3.

Nonetheless, the Italian was happy with the result.

"I gave my best," he said. "My sprint was good but Kittel was too good. I have no complaints. My teammates did a great job, especially in the finale when the race had lost its organization: Pozzato, Palini and Bonifazio have delivered me wheel and put me on Renshaw's wheel.

"Kittel's sprint was very powerful. I was able to build up a good speed but was unable to catch him. I am just sorry that I was passed by Guardini at last as it would have been nice to end the Dubai experience on the podium."

In general, Lampre-Merida leave Duvai with a good taste. Ferrari was one of the best sprinters in the race while Filippo Pozzato showed good condition ahead of the classics by finishing 11th overall. In his first race as a Lampre rider, world champion Rui Costa got close to a win in the rainbow jersey when his attack in the queen stage was caught 800m from the line.

Costa will next line up in the Challenge Mallorca which starts tomorrow.