Abu Dhabi: British ace Mark Cavendish of Dimension Data has confirmed his participation along with current Giro d’Italia champion Dutchman Tom Dumoulin of Team Sunweb, Vuelta a Espana winner Italian Fabio Aru and last year’s winner Portuguese Rui Costa — now both from UAE Team Emirates —
for the fourth edition Abu Dhabi Tour starting on February 21-25.
Other star riders include Alejandro Valverde of Movistar Team, Elia Viviani of Quick-Step Floors, Caleb Ewan of Mitchelton-Scott, Marcel Kittel and Ilnur Zakarin both of Team Katusha-Alpechin.
The major change for this season is the addition of a fifth stage to explore the capital better and to reducing the impact of Jebel Hafeet’s ascent on the General classification.
Normally, the cyclist who goes on to conquer Jebel Hafeet is virtually assured of bagging the crown. However, with the new stage coming in, the fight for title can go all the way and provide opportunity to impact all the jerseys and the final overall race winner.
The short and fast Al Maryah Island-based time trial on Day IV will ensure the results are more uncertain with its uphill finish on Jebel Hafeet.
Cavendish admitted that the 2017 season was a forgettable one for him and was keen on starting from Abu Dhabi on a high for team Dimension Data.
“I was very proud to wear the Red Jersey last year as leader at the end of stage one and two, and win the final Green Jersey for the second year consecutively while being sick which was great. I hope to repeat that success in 2018 and to be on the final podium again,” said the star sprinter at the unveiling of the Tour jersey and route at the Four Season’s Hotel in the capital on Tuesday.
Cavendish won just one race last season before struggling with a viral fever. Though he recovered in time for the Tour de France, the Briton was involved in a high-speed crash with world champion Peter Sagan and that put an abrupt end to his race.
The 32-year-old then returned to action at the Tour of Britain but did not feature in a World Tour race after that fatal accident in Vittel.
“Last season was horrible for me. I had a lot of health problems, but the one win I got was here in Abu Dhabi — a very special place for me and in certain terms, a second home for me and for my family too,” said Cavendish, who is also the brand ambassador for this Tour.
“The stages are difficult but pretty spectacular when it comes to viewing. The first three stages are good for me. It is nice to see the introduction of time-trial making things more open. There won’t be two or three guys vying for the title but more riders will have a chance. It will be a nice finish to the whole race at the top of the mountain.”
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We’re working to make the race more appealing to fans and riders, and this upgrade represents a unique opportunity to make the challenge for the overall standings stronger and not only related to the mountain stage.”
The sponsors of the races are as follows: Jersey Sponsors: Al Maryah Island — Red Jersey; Emirates Post — Green Jersey; Abu Dhabi Sports Channel — White Jersey; Etihad Airways — Black Jersey.
