Of the many new features in the upcoming Dubai Tour, scheduled from January 31 to February 4, the most significant is that for the first time it’s a five-stage race. This will satisfy the requests of the riders, who are happy to extend their stay in the Emirate, ride further (a total of 865km, 194 more than the 2016 edition) and have more chance of a stage victory. The 2017 race will open the Middle East season with Dubai as the frontrunner in a quartet of races, all in February.

To present this and more news, mainly related to the route, was H.E. Saeed Hareb, Dubai Sports Council General Secretary, who explained to the media, sponsors and guests attending the public show at City Walk, the race’s five-day program. "The 2017 Dubai Tour will be a very special edition because of the new additional competition day. The extra stage allows us to better explore the surrounding territories. Lengthening the riders’ stay in Dubai keeps the media and fans’ interest in the event alive for longer. These are key to our strategy and the sponsors are rewarding this vision. I take this opportunity to thank all of them, along with all the governmental authorities that allow us to perform the Dubai Tour show again."

THE ROUTE
On the first day, the 181km Nakheel Stage, the route will take in some typical Dubai landmarks including the Al Qudra bike path where the teams usually do their last preparations on the eve of Dubai Tour, and the Camel Track, home of the traditional races. Then there are some of the city’s most ambitious construction projects: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Jumeirah Islands and finally, Palm Jumeirah, a world-renowned icon of Dubai, and the traditional seat of a sprint over the waterfront in front of the Atlantis “door”.

The following day, February 1, the Ras Al Khaimah Stage sees the peloton ride through four different Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. On a flat route near the coast we discover the Dubai Design District, the Sharjah University and the Al Marjan Island complex, the shaped coral archipelago of four artificial islands: Breeze, Treasure, Dream and View Island.


 

The third stage, the Dubai Silicon Oasis Stage, from Dubai to Al Aqah, is another new feature for the 2017 Dubai Tour. Last February the Fujairah seafront witnessed the victory of Marcel Kittel in a compelling sprint. In 2017, however, the peloton will continue on the Fujairah coast that overlooks the Indian Ocean until Al Aqah.


 

The fourth stage, the Westin Stage, is a modern classic through the deserts of Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, to reach Hatta Dam. There are two climbs up to a 11% gradient before the finale to the dam itself. The short stretch of about 200 meters has always rewarded the puncheurs but, despite the inclination from 12% to 17%, never upset the general classification. It's certainly an iconic stage and features the most beautiful, dramatic landscape.




The last day, the Meraas Stage, will be a spectacular parade of 124km entirely in the city of Dubai. Along the way the peloton will celebrate the most famous monuments and landmarks: firstly the astonishing Meydan Racecourse, home of the world’s richest horse race (Dubai World Cup), then the family-oriented Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar, the historical Deira, the famous Port Rashid, and the iconic Union Flag. The grand finale, with the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop, in the heart of CITY WALK, the spectacular brand new destination, is the Dubai Tour’s last stunning sprint.

Saleh Al Geziry, Vice President, Retail Marketing, Promotions & Recreation at Meraassaid: “We congratulate the Dubai Sports Council for organising such a successful event and we are delighted to be the newly added fifth stage. The synergy between both parties is natural. We are looking forward to host the finale of one of Dubai’s most prominent sporting events at City Walk. The urban living destination aims to promote a culture of active and healthy lifestyle, providing ample spaces for people to be active whilst enjoying the open air space.”

THE JERSEYS
The 2017 Dubai Tour jerseys will be provided by Castelli: 4 colours, 4 classifications, 4 different models made using a high-tech fabric supplied by SITIP that is both UV-protective and allows for a very rapid rate of heat dissipation.

Blue Jersey
General Classification: worn by the overall winner, the rider who has proven to be the fastest and most consistent over the five stages. In 2016 the blue jersey was won by Marcel Kittel.

Red Jersey

Points Classification: worn by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprint. The red jersey was also won by Marcel Kittel, winner of two of four stages.

UAE Flag Jersey

Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn by the rider who gained more Intermediate Sprint Points than any other rider. Last year’s winner was the Pole Marcin Bialoblocki.