If you’re a fan of elite cycling, then we have some good news for you, as some of the world’s biggest names are coming to the UAE.
For the first time ever, the organisers of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai tours (which have been running for five years) have merged the races to create The UAE Tour.
The race, organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Dubai Sports Council and Sharjah Sports Council, in partnership with RCS Sport, kicks off in the capital on Sunday February 24.
The first stage is at Hudayriat Island, starting at 2.30pm on Sunday, before moving on to the second stage between Yas Mall and the Corniche breakwater the following day. On Tuesday, the third stage is in Al Ain, from Al Ain – UAE University to Jebel Hafeet, the tour then moves to Dubai.
The event boasts an enviable line-up of cycling’s top superstars as all 18 UCI World Teams have committed their best riders to the seven-day race, which visits all seven emirates.
Superstars coming here include the only two current professionals to have won all three Grand Tours.
Starting a UAE race for the first time, Briton Chris Froome, a six-time Grand Tour champion, will go head-to-head against his Italian rival Vincenzo Nibali, who boasts four Grand Tour titles so far.
Alongside them are such famous names as the 2017 Giro d’Italia winner and former UCI World Time Trial Champion, Dutchman Tom Dumoulin.
Other competitors include last year’s Abu Dhabi Tour winner and the UCI Road World Champion, Spain’s Alejandro Valverde.
Also taking part in the event is 2018’s most successful rider and Dubai Tour winner, Elis Viviani from Italy and the UCI Time Trial World Champion Australian Rohan Dennis.
German sprinter Marcel Kittel, double Dubai overall champion and winner of stages at all three Grand Tours, will be racing too.
The event is free of charge and everyone is welcome to come along and cheer on their favourite riders and teams.
The final stage finishes on Saturday March 2 at City Walk in Dubai.
We’ll see you by the roadside.
Free to watch. Sun Feb 24-Sat Mar 2, theuaetour.com.
