Wednesday cover: Jebel Hafeet looms as ‘real test’ ahead of Abu Dhabi Tour

The National's Sport cover for the Wednesday, October 7 issue, featuring the pro cyclists of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour at Yas Marina Circuit ahead of Thursday's start to the race.

Osman Samiuddin, previewing the race, writes the largely flat and straightforward course nonetheless has one seriously defining characteristic – the Jebel Hafeet climb:

“He who conquers Jebel Hafeet holds the key to the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour. That, at least, seems to be the consensus ahead of the 555-kilometre, four-stage Tour which begins on Thursday.

“The Jebel Hafeet climb forms the end of the third of four stages of the race, the Al Ain Stage, on Saturday.

“At 11.7km long and with an average gradient of 7.5 per cent, which touches 12 per cent on a couple of bends, the climb is widely expected to become one of the tougher ones on the international circuit.

“Some riders consider it to be a Category 1 climb, once the toughest classification of ascents in cycling.”

Says rising cycling star Peter Sagan:

“For sure, it will be a big factor in deciding this race.

“The winds and the temperatures will also be a factor, but this climb will be the real test of the four stages,” said the race’s star attraction and recently crowned UCI Road World Champion.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE