Abu Dhabi: British sprint ace Mark Cavendish has been officially confirmed as the brand ambassador for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour, which will be held here from Qctober 8 to 11.
It was revealed Cavendish was in talks over the role from the time the tour was launched in March, and the Manxman had expressed his delight that the UAE capital had found a place on the cycling calendar.
Cavendish was outspoken in his praise for Abu Dhabi, saying he found it to be “a place full of tradition” that also looked to the future. “Definitely a great country to have a bike race,” Cavendish had said.
The 555-km first race in the UAE capital will comprise four stages covering the city itself, deserts, oases and the spectacular Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit.
With this tie-up, Cavendish, who is a former UCI World Champion and is fourth on the list of all-time Grand Tour stage winners, has become the first high-profile cyclist to confirm his availability for the tour.
“I’m very excited to return to the Middle East and race in Abu Dhabi,” he said. “I’m sure it will be a great event to close the season. The route will be very nice for the sprinters, so I hope to get some success — especially when there’s a chance to finish on the F1 track. That will be very special.”
The endorsement was greatly appreciated by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), represented by General Secretary Aref Hamad Al Awani, who said: “The race is well balanced, it could be won by a sprinter with strength or by a one-day-race specialist adept at gaining seconds on the climb.
“Three of the four stages are dedicated to the fastest men in the world and as official ambassador we could only choose the best. That is Mr Cavendish.”
Between now and October, Cavendish will unveil Abu Dhabi’s tourism and cycling attractions via his social media channels and take part in a special press conference in September — between the Vuelta Espana and the World Championships in Richmond, US.
The Abu Dhabi Tour has been declared a 2.1 race by the International Cycling Union (UCI) and is being organised by the ADSC in partnership with RCS Sport.
