It was extremely hot in Abu Dhabi for the first edition of the Abu Dhabi Tour. Because of the heat (over 40C) the 174 km stage 1 from Qasr Al Sarab to Madinat Zayed had to be shortened with some 15 kilometers.

Team Katusha's sprinter Jacopo Guarnieri didn't even make it to the start because of illness. That is bad luck as sprints are expected to decide three stage victories.

Stage 1 already ended with a mass sprint won by Andrea Guardini (Team Astana) ahead of Tom Boonen (Etixx – Quick Step) and Daniele Bennati (Tinkoff-Saxo). Guardini will start tomorrow in the red leader's jersey. Eduard Vorganov was the best Katusha rider with 24th place.