Tradition is the correct word to describe the sixth edition of the UAE Tour starting on Monday 19 February.

In fact, there will be seven stages planned with the usual uphill finishes of Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet, plenty of space for the sprinters with at least three or four sprints, and a 12 km time trial which could create important gaps already in the second stage. Another factor to take into consideration will be the wind: the fan effect, as happened in previous editions, is almost a certainty not to be underestimated for those who want to win the race. Pay attention already on the first stage with arrival in Liwa, where the finish line banner will be placed at the top of a straight all constantly at 5%.

Remembering to take part in the Fantacycling UAE Tour League, which is giving away leader's jerseys signed by the winners for the first three places, with a total value of the prizes of 150 euros!

The league will be an OFFICIAL PRIZE COMPETITION in which you can win prizes as per the regulations which you can find at the following link: http://fanta-cycling.com /regolamentoUAE

For the general classification, UAE Emirates is aiming to achieve success with Adam Yates , third last year and already winner of the race in 2020, and Brandon McNulty , who appeared brilliant in his first seasonal outings. Ilan Van Wilder of Soudal Quick Step is instead expected to confirm the good results obtained in 2023. Following are the names of Pello Bilbao of Bahrain Victorious, Ben O'Connor of Decathlon Ag2r, Eddie Dunbar of Jayco AlUla and the Visma duo formed by Attila Valter and Bart Lemmen . There are some youngsters who are eager for example Max Poole of Dsm, Lennert Van Eetvelt of Lotto and Matthew Riccitello of Israel, in particular for a stage success.

And then there are the masters of sprinting with many riders ready to sprint: Olav Kooij of Visma, Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick Step, Dylan Groenewegen of Jayco AlUla, Sam Bennett of Decathlon Ag2r, Pascal Ackermann of Israel, Fabio Jakobsen of Dsm , Phil Bauhaus of Bahrain, Kaden Groves of Alpecin, Juan Sebastian Molano of Uae, Mark Cavendish of Astana, Sam Welsford of Bora, Fernando Gaviria of Movistar and Elia Viviani of Ineos. In short, you are spoiled for choice.

The stages:

Stage 1, Al Dhafra Walk Madinat Zayed-Liwa Palace, 143km

Stage 2, Al Hudayriyat Island ITT, 12.1km

Stage 3, Al Marjan Island-Jebel Jais, 176km

Stage 4, Dubai Police Officer's club-Dubai Harbour, 173km

Stage 5, Al Aqah-Umm al Quwain, 182km

Stage 6, Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum-Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 138km

Stage 7, Al Ain Bait Mohammed Bin Khalifa-Jebel Hafeet, 161km

Photo Sprint Cycling (Adam Yates)