Alex Dowsett has hailed the impact of new teammate Marcel Kittel and insists he will do what he can to ensure the German wins as many stages as possible at this year’s Dubai Tour.
Kittel, who won five stages on last year’s Tour de France, joined Team Katusha–Alpecin in January and has been a significant addition to the Swiss outfit since his arrival.
In Kittel, the team now has a focal point and a rider who can guarantee them over 10 wins throughout the year.
Dowsett, a top-10 finisher in Dubai last year, said: “This year it’s full board, dropping him (Marcel) off with 200 metres to go and making sure he wins as many stages as possible.”
“Everyone is motivated. If you’re racing for a guy that you know can win is one thing. If you’re racing for a guy who is pleasant and says thank you then you pull everything out.”
Kittel is no stranger to the Tour having won three stages last year en route to sealing a second consecutive title.
As he bids to win a third crown in the UAE, Kittel has an exciting lead out train in Marco Haller, Rick Zabel and Nils Politt, riders who possess power and pace to carry the 29-year-old to victory.
“Our job is to make sure he is fine. It doesn’t matter where we finish, once we get over the line. Once we get him in the best position we can stop pedalling,” said Dowsett.
“Even on the last stage, if I don’t make it to the finish line and Marcel wins, I’ve done my job.”
“It’s like being a goalkeeper in football. You don’t score goals. You help and you’re a crucial part of the team. It’s completely selfless.”
Dowsett, an Oakley ambassador said: “It’s great being back with the Oakley family, the Prizm lenses are by far the best and we’ve also started wearing the helmets which are coming out in April; they’re a game-changer.”
