Venice: UAE Team Emirates continue their preparations for the Tour de France as a team of seven riders take on the Adriatica Ionica Race around north east Italy from June 20 to 24. The team will be fronted by Valerio Conti, who goes into the five-stage race in high spirits, having impressed in recent weeks at the Giro d’Italia and the Criterium du Dauphine. The Italian youngster will be supported by a blend of youth and experience that includes: Ben Swift, Darwin Atapuma, Simone Consonni, Simone Petilli, Manuele Mori and Edward Ravasi. The Adriatica Iconica Race is the latest instalment of the UCI European Tour, making its debut as a category 2.1.