Stage 1 of the 2017 Dubai Tour brings a large loop through the dessert, yet finish (Dubai International Marine Club) and arrival (Palm Jumeirah) are only 1 kilometre apart. Last year, Elia Viviani powered to glory in the Palm Jumeirah bunch sprint.
The route of stage 2 travels to the neighbouring emirate of Ras al Khaimah. Again, this one should be for the fast men.
On Thursday, the 2nd of February, the riders race to Al Aqah, a coastal resort on the Gulf of Oman. Halfway through the route of stage 3 an ascent looms, yet, fast men can rest assured as the climb is not too steep.
It’s another story in stage 4. At the eleventh hour, the route has been shortened and now takes in nine climbs. After two local rounds near Hatta the race comes to a stop on top of the steep Hatta Dam. This accounts for a punchy 1 kilometre climb with a 17% ramp just under the top. [This race has been cancelled due to sand storms.]
The 5th stage of the Dubai Tour is the last stage. At 124 kilometres, the race is entirely played out within the perimeters of Dubai City. Last chance for the sprinters.
All stages in the 2017 Dubai Tour feature intermediate sprints – accounting for 3, 2 and 1 second each -, while time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds are waiting at the line.
Dubai Tour 2017: Route maps, height profiles, and more
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