Dubai: Officials from the UAE Cycling Federation (UAE CF) are proposing to host future stages of the Giro d’Italia in Dubai, according to reports.

A UAE delegation followed the Giro d’Italia in May to pick up organisational tips ahead of the inaugural Dubai Tour next February, however they returned to Italy last week to propose actually hosting part of the event.

“This is something we’re working on and are going to discuss as part of our strategy with the Giro organisers,” Mohammad Al Sabagh, UAE CF board member and Dubai Tour head of technical and sport division, told Cycling News.

“We’ve seen how Northern Ireland and Ireland have organised the opening three stages and that’s fabulous. Next year we’re going to watch the stages in Belfast and Ireland and see how they do, then open the door to negotiations with [the organisers] RCS Sport and the Giro to host one or two stages in Dubai.”

Previous stages of the Giro d’Italia, like the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana, have been held in different countries in recent years as organisers seek new revenue streams, however Dubai would be the furthest detour to date.

Elsewhere, Al Sabagh said the UAE was ready to stage the first Dubai Tour from February 5-8. “The whole staff of the Dubai Tour, members of Dubai Police and the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) came to Italy to have a good idea about racing and road closures,” said Al Sabagh.

“We also followed five stages. I was amazed by the big crowds and by the strategy and marketing plans RCS Sport puts in place for them. Dubai is a busy city and has three million cars going in and out every day. Doing a major road closure for four days in February is a big decision and a big job. We’re sure it will go well.

“We’ve finalised the route and have approval from the UCI and we’re proud to be the first event in the Asian calendar. We’ve got a mountain stage in the north near the border with Oman. There’s great roads up there and there’s a spectacular view. The race will visit other cities outside of Dubai such as Hatta too.

“There will be an official presentation in Dubai and we’re confident of having the best teams and best ranked riders in the race.”