Abu Dhabi Tour's WorldTour Debut Edition - Route and Jerseys Unveiled

Just 30 days left to the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Tour, the four-day race organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) in collaboration with RCS Sport and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman, Abu Dhabi Executive Council. This year the Abu Dhabi Tour can boast UCI WorldTour status; unique for a race in the Middle East. WorldTour ranking points will be up for grabs every day, a very important goal for each of the teams and riders. The vast majority of cycling’s elite teams will be at the start of the race (16 out of 18), and include some of the world’s best riders who have confirmed their participation.

The route will be similar to the first two editions: three stages dedicated to the sprinters and one to the climbers or brave puncheurs along a fast-balanced route, riding in between the desert and the sea, going from the mountains to the city.

The opening stage will take its now traditional route, starting and finishing in Madinat Zayed, and running entirely through the desert. New features are packed into stage two, starting from Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi’s business and lifestyle destination, and featuring as many landmarks as possible: in this tour of the capital city fans can follow the riders past iconic locations such as the Corniche, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, Al Reem Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Old Al Bahia, Al Sadar. The probable bunch sprint will take place on Al Marina, close to the Big Flag. The third stage, as usual, is the mountain stage, where climbers and puncheurs will fight for general classification on the Jabel Hafeet uphill finish at an altitude of 1.025m. The grand finale is once again confirmed for the iconic Yas Marina Circuit.

The newest jersey sponsor is Al Maryah Island, sponsoring the prestigious Red Jersey (General Classification by time). The other Abu Dhabi Tour primary supporters are fully confirmed with Nation Towers sponsoring the Green Jersey (General Classification by points), Abu Dhabi Sports Channel sponsoring the White Jersey (Best Young Rider, born after 1 January 1992) and Etihad Airways sponsoring the Black Jersey (Intermediate Sprint Classification).

Nation Towers is confirmed as the official Fan Zone from 17 to 26 February, with a venue dedicated to the sponsors, a kids’ area and a large screen for following the race action live, while the Viceroy Hotel will serve as Race Headquarters, hosting athletes, media and officials.

The marketing and promotional activities include the Abu Dhabi Tour Challenge on the Yas Marina Circuit (on 5, 12 and 21 February) and the Advertising caravan, the travelling promotional project that, from 17 to 22 February, will visit the main Abu Dhabi landmarks as well as the stage cities. Then, during the race days, the caravan will anticipate the riders on their route to reach the finish line, in a format similar to European Grand Tour events, with specially branded promotional vehicles included.

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, ADSC’s General Secretary, said: "The Abu Dhabi Tour is the only WorldTour race in the Middle East from this edition and for the following seasons. This fact is a source of pride and prestige for the entire Emirate. I would like to thank all the driving forces behind this success. Firstly, let me thank His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council for his generous patronage of the Abu Dhabi Tour. Secondly, my appreciation to the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council - His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Then the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transportation, the Municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Madinat Zayed, the police and traffic departments of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Madinat Zayed, the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. And a special thank you to Mark Cavendish for being here tonight. Through their unwavering support and vision cycling is reaching its peak of power here in Abu Dhabi, with new facilities taking shape and an ever-growing following. We are integrating sport into society and creating healthier communities. We are hosting world-class events and fast becoming a global capital for sport. Thanks to all of you the Abu Dhabi Tour is now firmly rooted into the top tier of world cycling as a UCI WorldTour race. We will continue to work with the Abu Dhabi Education Council to ensure our grass-roots targets are being delivered. It is very rewarding to see just how many bikes are on the roads downtown and how many riders there are at the Yas Marina Circuit evenings. I promise we will continue to push this junior agenda and promote a community of healthy, active people."

Mark Cavendish, who attended the press conference, said: "It’s not a secret: I love spending time here in Abu Dhabi. Riding for my team or on vacation with my family. I love the local atmosphere, the people, and the great places to have fun and relax. Regarding the race last year I won two stages and I closed the 2016 season in the best way I could. I hope to repeat that in 2017: there are WorldTour points up for grabs and it would be a great sign before moving to Europe. I'd like to win in Madinat Zayed to wear the red jersey again. It would be an honour."

THE ROUTE

Stage 01 – MADINAT ZAYED STAGE / MADINAT ZAYED – MADINAT ZAYED (188km)

Stage

The first stage runs entirely in the desert, with the first and last parts of about 45km on straight, wide roads. Once in Liwa, the riders will face the first Intermediate Sprint, followed by a section in the desert with constant undulations over dunes (adding up to a significant total elevation) which is ridden first in one direction, and then in the opposite direction. After the passage in Liwa comes the second Intermediate Sprint, then the course takes the riders to Madinat Zayed by reversing the route of the outward journey.

Last km

A city path with only three proper bends, one to the right and two to the left (the final bend being to the left). The last kms are on wide, straight boulevards, punctuated by wide-curved roundabouts. The final km is straight on asphalt.

Stage 02 – NATION TOWERS STAGE / ABU DHABI (Al Maryah Island) – ABU DHABI (Al Marina) (155km)

Stage

The second stage runs mostly in the city of Abu Dhabi. After the start the race goes through Reem Island, then along the Abu Dhabi Corniche for the first time before turning south on wide, straight boulevards. Here the route passes close to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and reaches Shakhbout City – site of the first Intermediate Sprint, with several roundabouts on the course – before riding through Al Shahama and Al Bahya – for the second Intermediate Sprint – then returning to Yas Island. The final part of the stage is raced on the Sheikh bin Zayed Highway towards the Abu Dhabi Corniche and the finish line. The entire route is on wide boulevards with "cat’s eyes" road reflectors constantly dividing the lanes.

Last km

The final 5km are on increasingly large roads with large semi-curves leading to the straight finish on asphalt.

Stage 03 – AL AIN STAGE / AL AIN – JEBEL HAFEET (186km)

Stage

The third stage comprises both urban surroundings and mountains. The first part, inside Al Ain city, is all on wide roads with roundabouts and speed humps and is followed by a second part in the desert along wide and predominantly straight roads. At 15km to go, the route starts to rise slightly towards the final ascent, culminating in an uphill finish at an altitude of 1025m, following an 11km climb with slopes with an 11% gradient.

Last km

The final climb is on wide-ranging bends on a three-lane roadway. The gradient is mostly around 8-9% with a peak of 11% at 3km to go. There are short descents in the last kilometres before the final ramp with a straight finish on asphalt.

Stage 04 - YAS ISLAND STAGE / YAS MARINA CIRCUIT (143km)

Stage

The final stage is entirely on Yas Island. There are 26 laps on the F1 Yas Marina circuit, each of 5.5km with three Intermediate Sprints as we count down to the finale. The first Intermediate Sprint is at lap 11, with 15 laps to go; the second at 10 laps to go and the last Intermediate Sprints with just five laps to go.

In 2015 during the Yas Island Stage, for the first time ever in a men's professional road race, live on-board bike camera footage was made available and used for live television race coverage.

Last km

On the perfect tarmac of a 5.5km Formula 1 circuit with wide roads and large, sweeping bends. The final 250 metres are on straight, flat asphalt.

THE JERSEYS

The most prestigious jersey, the Red Jersey worn by the leader of General Classification by time, will be sponsored by Al Maryah Island. In October it was won by the Estonian Tanel Kangert.

Second, in order of importance, it’s the Green Jersey worn by the leader of the General Classification by points, sponsored by Nation Towers. It was won in 2016 by the Manxman Mark Cavendish.

The leader of the Best Young Rider Classification by time, born after 1 January 1992, will wear the White Jersey, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, which is also confirmed as the race host broadcaster; last year it was won by the French Julien Bernard.

The Black Jersey, worn by the leader of the Intermediate Sprint Classification and won last year by the Belgian Jens Keukeleire, will again be sponsored by Etihad Airways.

Abu Dhabi Tour jerseys video

The jerseys are designed and made by the iconic brand Castelli and are cut in a close-to-the-body anatomical shape for maximum aerodynamic performance when the peloton head into dusty crosswind sections.

Red Jersey - General Classification by Time: worn by the overall winner, the rider who has proven to be the most consistent over the course.

Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Mubadala’s Deputy Group CEO and Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Sectors, commented: "We are proud to partner with Abu Dhabi Sports Council to help bring Abu Dhabi Tour to life in the first year this exceptional sporting event has achieved UCI WorldTour status. We are delighted to be sponsoring the prestigious Red Jersey worn by the world’s best cyclists and hosting the start of Stage Two on February 24 at Al Maryah Island. In line with Mubadala’s vision and our commitment to the people of Abu Dhabi, we are confident that this event will encourage the community to maintain an active lifestyle, as well as inspire the next generation to explore the world of sport."

Al Maryah Island is Abu Dhabi’s business and lifestyle destination home to Abu Dhabi Global Market, the world’s newest international financial center. Al Maryah Island is comprised of world-class commercial, hotel, retail, leisure, healthcare, and residential components, featuring Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, The Galleria, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Al Maryah Central.

Green Jersey - General Classification by Points: worn by the peloton’s fastest man.

"This edition of Abu Dhabi Tour is very special to us for many reasons. Firstly, the Tour has been added to the UCI WorldTour calendar. This has been followed by the announcement of the UAE- Abu Dhabi Pro Cycling Team. Lastly, this edition brings a strategic global platform to Nation Towers and its stakeholders. By sponsoring this edition of the Tour for the second time in a row, Nation Towers solidifies its commitment to creating a better community by promoting sports in the development of a healthier and fitter society," said Hamad Al Shamsi, CEO of International Capital Trading.

Nation Towers is a luxury complex comprising two towers that have world class facilities including The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel, loft apartments, office space, retail, cinemas, recreational amenities, beach club and ample parking for residents and visitors.

White Jersey- Best Young Rider Classification by Time: worn by the best U25 young rider in the overall classification.

Yaqoob Al Saadi, Head of AD Sports Channels at Abu Dhabi Media, said: "Abu Dhabi Tour is a major sports and tourism event that should be presented to viewers using the best standards adopted when covering international cycling events. Abu Dhabi Sports has the experience required to cover the race in detail, employing its technical team to operate at full capacity in order to reflect both Abu Dhabi’s highly developed ability in organizing big events and Abu Dhabi Tour’s international significance".

Al Saadi noted that broadcasting rights for Abu Dhabi Tour will be granted to all Arabic channels wishing to cover the event as part of an effort by Abu Dhabi Media to support cycling as a sport and highlight Abu Dhabi’s role as a leader in operation security, as the race will cross several of the most beautiful geographical regions in the Emirates.

Detailing Abu Dhabi Sports’ coverage plan for the international professional cycling tournament, Al Saadi explained: "All of Abu Dhabi Tour’s stages will be broadcasted live, accompanied by an advanced sports analysis studio that will cover all the technical details of the race. Dedicating special evening timeslots to raise awareness for the tournament, Abu Dhabi Sports will interview the cyclists and trainers to shed light on their experiences, the results they have achieved and their expectations on who will eventually win the race".

Al Saadi emphasized that Abu Dhabi Sports has put all of its capabilities into presenting the event to the highest standard of the industry. This venture will include specialized sports broadcasting teams, aerial photography and the involvement of Abu Dhabi Sports correspondents at every kilometer of the race to provide hands-on insight into the proceedings of the race at every stage.

Abu Dhabi Sports Channel is an UAE Arab channel part of the Abu Dhabi Media Company.

Black Jersey - Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn by the rider who gains most Intermediate Sprint points.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: "Etihad Airways is particularly excited about sponsoring the Abu Dhabi Tour this time around, given its new UCI WorldTour status. We have been supporting this event on many different levels - flying in the top cyclists and support team members and transporting thousands of kilogrammes of equipment. We’re also delighted that this is another event we’re backing alongside our strategic partner, Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Under a three year partnership agreement, we have created the structure to even more effectively promote sports in the UAE capital and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle."

Etihad Airways is the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways was established by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003. It commenced operations in November 2003 and has developed into one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of commercial aviation. The airline seeks to reflect the best of Arabian hospitality - cultured, considerate, warm and generous - as well as enhance the prestige of Abu Dhabi as a centre of hospitality between East and West. Its goal is to be a truly 21st century, global airline, challenging and changing the established conventions of airline hospitality.

For more information, please contact:

SHIFT Active Media

Manolo Bertocchi

RCS Sport Cycling Press Office

Ph.: (+44) 1225 448333

Ph. (+44) 7979 241227

E-mail: manolo@shiftactivemedia.com

RCS Sport

Stefano Diciatteo

RCS Sport Press Office Coordinator

Ph.: (+39) 02 25848758

Mob.: (+39) 335 5468466