Stage 1 is played out on a flat route. The race starts near Al Dhafra Castle and finishes in Al Mirfa. The route is similar to the opener of two years ago, when Van der Poel took the spoils after a race with full on echelon action.
The 2nd stage is a 17.1 kilometres team time trial with start and finish in Khalifa Port. Flat and straight roads with a U-turn about halfway.
The first of two mountain top finishes happens on Wednesday. Stage 3 finishes on Jebel Jais, a climb of 21.1 kilometres long with an average gradient of 5.4%.
The 4th stage sets off from Al Shindagha, a neigbourhood in the city of Dubai. The route only leaves the metropolitan area for an outing to the Al Qudra Cycle Track before a finish in Dubai Harbour.
Stage 5 is likely to see another sprint finish. The race goes from Al Marjan Island to Umm-Al-Quwain, an unprecedented finishing venue.
The last chance for the fast men appears on stage 6. The race goes to the well-known finish at Abu Dhabi Breakwater. Cavendish, Ewan and Gaviria – they all won here in the UAE Tour.
The 7th stage will be the decisive final test. The finale takes place on Jebel Hafeet, a 10.8 kilometres ascent at 6.6%. The section at the heart of the climb is where the GC action is likely to take place, as this rises at 8% to 9% for almost 4 kilometres. Pogacar emerged victorious on Jebel Hafeet on the last three occasions.
UAE Tour 2023: routes & climb profiles
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