The first race in the UAE capital territory continues to excite: the four stages among the skyscrapers, deserts, oases and the spectacular Formula 1 circuit start to seduce. The first confirmed high-profile contender is a world class rider, former road UCI World Champion and fourth on the all-time list of Grand Tour stage winners: Mark Cavendish – ‘Cav’. The Manxman, who has been able to destroy all records from the beginning of his career, is officially the first Abu Dhabi Tour Ambassador.

At the Abu Dhabi Tour launch in March, Cavendish was outspoken in his passion for the Emirates and its welcoming people. In particular he loves the UAE capital, “as a place full of tradition, that also look to the future. Definitively a great country to have a bike race”.

This clear endorsement was greatly appreciated by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, represented by the General Secretary, Mr. Aref Hamad Al Awani, who commented about the possibility to have the ‘Manx Missile’ as official Ambassador of the upcoming Tour: “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. By the way, three of four stages are dedicated to the fastest men in the world: as Official Ambassador we could only choose the best. And it is Mr Cavendish.”

“I'm very excited to return to the Middle East and race in Abu Dhabi,” said Cavendish, “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 an F1 finish. That will be very special.”

From now until October, Mark Cavendish will unveil the Abu Dhabi tourist and cycling attractions via his social channels and take part in a special Press Conference scheduled in September, in between the Vuelta a Espana and the World Championships in Richmond.