BMC Racing Team has set their 8-man roster for Dubai Tour. In the roster is reining Norwegian champion Thor Hushovd and newcomer Peter Velits, who will do his best to be helpful for the team.

"Nobody really knows what to expect but we go there with high objectives," Sciandri said. "We want to target the time trial with Taylor Phinney, without forgetting we also have Steve Cummings, Thor Hushovd and Peter Velits. We also have Thor for the sprints and Taylor has been trying himself in those, too, I saw at the Tour de San Luis."

Hushovd, the reigning Norwegian national road champion, said he after a restful off-season, he is coming off a solid block of training at the team's camp in Spain.

"I want to see how my form starts," the reigning Norwegian national road champion said. "If I can win a nice race at the beginning of the year, it's good and takes a bit of the pressure off."

Velits – the reigning Slovakian national time trial champion – said he is anxious to test himself in his first race for the BMC Racing Team.

"The stages seem to be flat, so the time trial will be very important for the GC (general classification) contenders," he said. "I can't really say how I will do because the first races in my case are always very unsure. But I will try my best and be helpful for the team. I feel very good in the team and there's always a good mood, which is important."