Dubai: Great Britain’s Mark Cavendish is bullish about his chances as the second edition of Dubai Tour gets under way from the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) just before noon on Wednesday.
With most teams and cyclists making use of the four-day event to start their season, many of the cyclists are content with just targeting a build-up in their endurance levels rather than go for outright wins.
Cavendish, a multiple stages winner at Tour de France, is one among these as well. “I really don’t know about my chances here this week. Regardless of all things considered, anything can happen in a sprint race like this one. Firstly, one really can’t judge in a sprint and secondly, there are a few riders here who are strong including John [Degenkolb of Team Giant-Alpecin],” Cavendish told media at the pre-race media meeting at DIMC.
“Given the nature of the race, we should see a few good sprints here in Dubai. For me, it is really good to have this sort of a race so early in the season,” he added.
One of the main factors playing a role in the final outcome of the race will be the wind factor. “Of course the wind will play a role here, just like it did last year,” Cavendish said.
With teammate Marcel Kittel winning three of the four stages last year, the pressure of leading a defence of the crown will be on Giant-Alpecin specialist sprinter John Degenkolb, who is making a start to 2015 following some strong finishes in 2014 including the Belgian classic Gent-Wevelgem and four stages of the Vuelta a Espana.
However, the German is not ready to put himself under undue pressure so early in the season. “No doubt it was a very long winter and perhaps, that is why it feels good and happy to be here. I am willing to go through some good fights. And since I am in a good mood and I am just enjoying every moment right now, anything can happen,” Degenkolb said.
“I am very happy that the stages are quite long and the intensity of the race is higher than last year. In addition, there will be opportunities to be on the bike for a longer time and practice on the endurance factor after the stages. The pressure is not on me as we have one really fast guy in Luka Mezgec and we will be backing him to finish at the top. What is very important for me is to find my rhythm,” he added.
Vicenzo Nibali, very much the face of the Tour this year, was more focused on building up for the season culminating with the defence of his Tour de France title in July. “Every team has someone who can lead their charge in Dubai. We need to pay attention to everyone and no one can be under-estimated at this level,” Nibali cautioned.
Alejandro Valverde of the Movistar Team was also coy about his chances here. “My form is good and I feel strong for this race that is really meant for quick riders. Our team has a strong rider in Juan Jose Lobato and I would be backing him to go all the way,” the Spaniard said.
