Who are you most looking forward to seeing in Dubai?
We’ve rounded up the top cyclists to keep a close eye on.
The first stage begins on Tuesday with the climax to the race ending on Saturday at Citywalk.
Let us know on Twitter or Facebook.
MARCEL KITTEL
Age: 29
Team: Team Katusha-Alpecin
2017 result in Dubai: Winner
The reigning champion has been arguably the best sprinter in the world over the past two seasons. After a successful 2017 campaign which included five Tour de France stage wins, the German will be bidding to kick start the new year on a positive note once again in the UAE.
MARK CAVENDISH
Age: 32
Team: Team Dimension Data
2017 result in Dubai: 8th
The most decorated sprinter in history may have been frustrated with his 2017 season – which included just one stage win – but expect the Briton to improve on his 8th place showing this time around. Getting back to winning ways will be a priority as he enters the twilight of his career.
ELIA VIVIANI
Age: 28
Team: Quick-Step Floors
2017 result in Dubai: 5th
The Olympic champion won nine races last year after his Giro d’Italia snub by Team Sky. Now with Quick-Step Floors, a key season lies ahead for the Italian as he bids to be the marquee man for a team that will offer greater support than his previous employers.
JOHN DEGENKOLB
Age: 29
Team: Trek-Segafredo
2017 result in Dubai: 3rd
The German comes into the Dubai Tour off the back of two wins at the Challenge Mallorca series last month. Managed one stage win last year and should at least match that this time, depending on how dominant Kittel is on the roads of the UAE.
ALEXANDER KRISTOFF
Age: 30
Team: UAE Team Emirates
2017 result in Dubai: DNP
The Norwegian may not be the same maestro from the 2014 and 2015 seasons, but he is still far from a fading force. Winning the European Road Race Championship ahead of Viviani in August shows there is fight and pace still in him.
