Ahead of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour, Osman Samiuddin provides an all-you-need-to-know guide about the cycling event.
PREVIEW: Nibali and Cavendish lead top-class field ready to race for Abu Dhabi Tour honours
– Osman Samiuddin on Mohammed Al Murawwi and a new era for UAE cycling
– Inside the course design with the man responsible for it; with stage maps
ROAD CLOSURES: Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3
*Stage 4 is self-contained at Yas Marina Circuit
Stage 1 winner: Andrea Guardini, Astana Pro Team
What is it?
It is the first major cycling race to be held in Abu Dhabi, and has attracted the world’s top riders. The race has been brought to the capital by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADCS) and the UAE Cycling Federation, as well as RCS Sports an Events.
When is it?
Mark the dates in your calendar: October 8-11.
Who can I expect to see racing past me?
Most of the world’s best riders, led by Mark Cavendish who is also the tour’s brand ambassador. Joaquim Rodriguez, a three-time winner of the UCI WorldTour ranking and with multiple podium finishes in cycling’s greatest races. Also look out for Vincenzo Nibali, current leader of the UCI rankings, the 2014 Tour de France winner and one of only six men to have won the three Grand Tours of cycling (the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a Espana.
Is that it?
No. In all, 18 teams will be racing, each with six riders. Simple maths tells you that is 108 cyclists.
How good are they?
Very. Race organisers have signed up a three-year agreement with Velon Group, which has some of the world’s best cycling teams in its umbrella (such as Team Sky, The BMC Racing Team and Etixx-Quick-Step). The group essentially ensures the presence of the world’s top cyclists.
Any representation for the UAE?
Yes, two teams. The Skydive Dubai team, led by Mohammad Al Murawwi, will take part, as will the UAE National team, led by Yousuf Mirza, the country’s top cyclist.
How long is the race?
Click here for a map of the tour
The race will cover 555km broken down into four stages:
The Liwa Stage (175km) begins the race and a more scenic start is difficult to imagine. It takes place in the Rub al Khali desert in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region. It starts among sand dunes surrounding the Qasr al Sarab resort after which the riders trace a ring around Liwa and the nearby oasis, passing through the two twice. They then head north on straight roads for 55km, with slight downhill gradients, as far as the Madinat Zayed town. The peloton then enters a final 15km loop, to be ridden just once. Overall the stage accumulate about 1200m of vertical climbing.
The Capital Stage (130km) is a flat stage right across the city. It begins at the Yas Marina Circuit and heads towards the southern part of the city. It passes the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as well as the ADNEC Exhibition Centre and then turns back on itself and heads back to Yas Island. It then heads to the Corniche to the Emirates Palace, where riders u-turn and race back to Yas Island to a finish line situated near Yas Mall.
The Al Ain Stage (140km) is probably the toughest stage of the Tour. Starting from Al Qattara Souq, the first 33km follow broad straight roads, before the petolon traces a wide circle around the city, crossing the Green Mubazzarah oasis ahead of the final, gruelling climb. The Jebel Hafeet ascent is 11km long and reaches an altitude of 1000m on gradients averaging 7.5% and touching 12% at points. The climb then eases into a short descent with 1.5km to go, before a shallow climb finishes the stage.
The Yas Stage (110km), in a very different way to the first stage, will be just as picturesque. The entire stage takes place at night, under the floodlights at the Yas Marina Circuit, already a well-established amateur cycling circuit in the UAE. The peloton will complete 20 laps of the circuit.
Will it be tough?
Yes it will. But as three of the stages are fairly flat, sprinters such as Cavendish and the German Marcel Kittel, will likely figure more prominently than others. Puncheurs such as Peter Sagan, who specialise in rolling terrain and short, sharp climbs, will also thrive.
What about the jerseys?
There will be four to fight for, from the colours of the UAE flag.
The Red Jersey is the general classification jersey, and arguably the most prestigious. It will be worn by the race’s overall winner, the fastest rider in the race based on time.
The Green Jersey is for the points classification winner, to be worn by the fastest man of the petolon at the end of the tour, based on points.
The White Jersey will be worn by the best young rider (U25) in the overall classification.
The Black Jersey, the intermediate sprint classification, will be worn by the tour’s fastest sprinters. Designated locations on each day’s route will mark in-race sprints, enabling riders to collect points. The most points wins.
Can I watch it on TV?
Yes. Abu Dhabi Media will broadcast the entire race live, from the first pedal to the last. The broadcast is also expected to be shown around the world in 140 countries.
Can I expect a big party at the end of it?
Yes. On October 11, the inaugural UCI Cycling Gala will be held, to award the season’s best riders.
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