Elia Viviani, the winner of stages two and four, believes next year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi Tour will be a crucial one for the very top riders with the event scheduled in the build-up to the 2016 World Championships in Qatar.
– ABU DHABI: Chaves seals general classification victory
– ABU DHABI: Rafaa Chtioiu & Skydive Dubai gaining respect
– INTERVIEW: Tom Dumoulin on road to Grand Tour glory
– GALLERY: Stars out to showcase wheel power in AD Tour
The Italian Team Sky rider has had much success in the UAE having won a stage at the Dubai Tour earlier this season before triumphing in Abu Dhabi last Friday and again on Sunday.
The teams were stationed at the very same garages that will host the Formula One cars at Yas Marina Circuit next month giving the riders a unique experience – something Viviani was particularly impressed by.
He said: “I have a good impression because I won two stages. We suffered a lot the first day because of the heat but day by day things got better. I think it’s a spectacular place.
“Also this final circuit, being staged at night, it’s beautiful to see on TV or for all the public here. Good impression for the last race of the year, it’s really good. I’d definitely come back.
WATCH as @eliaviviani of @TeamSky wins the final stage of the @Abu_Dhabi_Tour. https://t.co/1AlCnf0Vmb
— inCycle (@inCycleTV) October 11, 2015
“We get to live the same emotions as Formula One. Sure we’re coming back. Next year I think is important. Next year we have Worlds in Qatar one week after Abu Dhabi so for sure this will be the most important race for the guys who want to win Worlds.”
Abu Dhabi Tour winner Esteban Chaves also shared Viviani’s views, saying he’d be happy to come back to the UAE capital next year.
“It’s important because cycling is now becoming more global, it’s no longer in one continent, Europe, like in the past. There are now important races in America, Europe, Asia, and now the UAE. This is really important for cycling and for us because it’s starting to get bigger and bigger,” said the 25-year-old Colombian.
“I was really excited to come because I didn’t know this country. Matt White (sporting director of Orica-GreenEDGE) asked me ‘do you want to go to Abu Dhabi?’, and I said ‘of course, I don’t know Abu Dhabi, I want to go’. I’m happy to be here and I’m really excited about this race. For sure I’d like to come next year.”
