The route is flat until Al Malahia. Then, at kilometre 110, the road starts to rise gently. It’s not a big deal, mostly false flat interspersed with flat sections and slightly steeper ramps. At kilometre 134 the riders reach the ‘summit’.
The descent is even longer before another mild ascent begins at kilometre 155. Just before the highest point the route climbs 750 metres at 6%. Following a short flat stretch, another 500 metres climb at 6% leads to the descent.
Once down a false flat of 6 kilometres runs to the foot of the ultimate climb. From base to summit its 1 kilometre while the drag up the Hatta Dam is getting steeper with every metre until the final 200 metres are insane. Following a 8% slope, it is getting nastier in the last 100 metres with 14% and ultimately a 17% stretch just before the line.
By Dubai concepts we are talking Mortirolo here, but let’s be realistic. Marcel Kittel – not particularly famed for his climbing skills – lost only 4 seconds to race winner Juan José Lobato in 2016. Two years ago it was John Degenkolb who powered to victory on the punchy arrival.
The first three riders on the line in the Dubai Tour take time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprint of stage 4 (at kilometre 18.7) comes with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Read also: results/race report 4th stage 2018 Dubai Tour.
Dubai Tour 2018 stage 4: Route maps, height profiles, and more
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