Abu Dhabi Tour 2017 Route stage 1: Madinat Zayed - Madinat Zayed

Thursday, 23 February 2017 - At 188 kilometres, the route of the 1st stage in the Abu Dhabi Tour runs from Madinat Zayed to Madinat Zayed. Flat roads through the desert, so this one should be for the fast men.

Last year, Nizzolo sprinted to victory in Madinat Zayed ahead of Degenkolb and Cavendish. Two years ago Guardini bested Tom Boonen and Daniele Bennati.

Stage 1 in the 2017 Abu Dhabi Tour is almost entirely played out in the desert. Following an intermediate sprint in Liwa the route continues on gently rolling roads to Al Yabbanah. First an outward journey and after a U-turn near this construction project in the desert, the race goes in the opposite direction before a second intermediate sprint in Liwa. On reverse roads the race continues further to Madinat Zayed.

The last kilometres are raced on straight boulevards with some wide-curved roundabouts. The final kilometre is a perfect straight.

The first three riders on the line take time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprints (after 57.2 and 126.6 kilometres) come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.

Results/race report 1st stage 2017 Abu Dhabi Tour.