The second edition of the Abu Dhabi Tour wrapped up at Yas Marina but it will be back in just four months with the race getting a new calendar slot next year as well as an upgraded WorldTour status.
The quick turnaround means organisers have less time to iron out any kinks and plan an even grander version of their event, in what is effectively just their third year doing it. But before looking forward to next year, it’s worth examining how the Abu Dhabi Tour fared this past week.
Some of the best riders in the world showed up for the season-closing event in the UAE capital, with the likes of Vincenzo Nibali, Alberto Contador, Mark Cavendish, all in the mix, as well as Olympic gold medallists Greg van Avermaet and Elia Viviani, to name a few.
Despite it being the end of a very long and jam-packed season, top riders still made it to Abu Dhabi, where they were treated to a luxurious stay at the St. Regis Hotel on the Corniche, and got to enjoy the perks that come with visiting this part of the world.
They also got a chance to celebrate their year at the UCI Cycling Gala that took place here last Tuesday and some of them were spotted on the beach before the fourth and final stage on Sunday. But it hasn’t been all fun and games for these riders as we actually got to witness some real racing in Abu Dhabi over the past four days.
During the second stage that took place inside the city, the breakaway was only caught in the last 350 metres before the sprinters battled it out and Mark Cavendish came away the victor.
The winner of the 2016 Abu Dhabi Tour, Tanel Kangert of @AstanaTeam!#RideToAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/j8hEa0IbeW
— Abu Dhabi Tour (@Abu_Dhabi_Tour) October 23, 2016
On the final 11km climb up Jebel Hafeet on day three, we got to see Grand Tour greats like Contador and Nibali attack, and it took some true grit from Tanel Kangert to stave them off. It was nice to see the riders commit so late in the season and it only bodes good things for what’s to come next year, where the WorldTour status meaning every WorldTour team will be taking part in the Abu Dhabi Tour.
In the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour last year, the lack of fans was a glaring issue, which wasn’t helped by the high temperatures that discouraged people from taking to the streets to watch and also affected the riders.
This year, there has been a significant rise in attendance – even if the numbers are still relatively low compared to European standards – and the weather has been better due to the race taking place a couple of weeks later than last year.
Organisers Abu Dhabi Sports Council and RCS Sport have staged several community activities, including the Cycle Challenge that was held at Yas Marina Circuit, and it clearly has paid off.
The beauty of cycling is that there is actually great access to the riders at the start and finish of the stages and fans here can get real face-time with their favourites if they make it down to the paddock.
With Emirati riders taking part, in the form of Nasr-Dubai, and an Arab presence also in Team Dimension Data in the form of Algeria’s Youcef Reguigui, young local talent can find true inspiration in attending this event.
Moving forward, it’s clear that more community and awareness projects need to be implemented, especially ones that target youth in the nation, so that the upgrade in the status of the Abu Dhabi Tour is met with a corresponding increase in level of interest from the people of the UAE.
With four back-to-back races staged in the Gulf region in February 2017, it’s a great opportunity to capitalise on by getting more residents involved.
Stunning scenes under lights @YasMarinaAD @Abu_Dhabi_Tour #RidetoAbuDhabi @Sport360 pic.twitter.com/NdhceY3Eg9
— Stu Appleby (@Stuart_Appleby) October 23, 2016
