BMC Racing Team will continue to test the legs in the opening stages of the 2016 season at the Dubai Tour from 3-6 February.

BMC Racing Team Sports Director Max Sciandri confirmed the main objective for the Dubai Tour, which will serve as the first race of the season for all eight riders, will be the General Classification.

“It’s a relatively easy course targeted at sprinters, comprised of two flat days in central Dubai, and stage three with the small uphill of about one kilometer with a couple of kicks before the last finish. Stage four is again another flat stage in Dubai. Usually there is not too much wind and the roads are nice so it should be a good race.”

Team leader Philippe Gilbert (BEL) will return to the four-stage, 2.HC race following his top ten performance in 2015, aiming for another shot at the General Classification.

“It’s only four days of racing but it’s a good race because you do 650 kilometers so you still work hard. Staying in a good position in the sprint and trying to pick up some time bonuses will be important. I was close in 2015 so I hope to do better this year.”

Rider Roster: 

Philippe Gilbert (BEL), Tom Bohli (SUI), Silvan Dillier (SUI), Ben Hermans (BEL), Amaël Moinard (FRA), Samuel Sanchez (SPA), Manuel Senni (ITA), Loïc Vliegen (BEL).