Who are you most looking forward to seeing in Abu Dhabi?
We’ve rounded up the top cyclists to keep a close eye on.
The first stage begins on Wednesday with the climax to the race ending on Sunday at Jebel Hafeet.
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FABIO ABU
Team: UAE Team Emirates
2017 result in Abu Dhabi: 8th
The Italian will compete in his first race for his new team since signing from Astana in October. At 27, the Sardinia native has won a Vuelta, stood on the Giro podium twice and clinched a stage on last year’s Tour de France. Aru will want to improve on his 8th place showing in the capital last year and impress on debut for his new team. Don’t rule out a podium finish on Sunday.
TOM DUMOULIN
Age: 27
Team: Team Sunweb
2017 result in Abu Dhabi: 3rd
It will be fascinating to see what form Dumoulin brings into this season after impressing during his Giro d’Italia and World individual time trial wins last season. The Dutchman is predominantly a time-triallist, but can also climb effectively, and has been tipped as a star of Grand Tours over the next five years. With a podium finish in Abu Dhabi last year, the 27-year-old will have big ambitions returning to the UAE.
ALEJANDRO VALVERDE
Age: 37
Team: Movistar Team
2017 result in Abu Dhabi: DNP
The veteran Spaniard had a stunning 2017 campaign, winning the Liege-Bastogne-Liege, La Fleche Wallone, Volta a Catalunya and Vuelta a Andalucia. At 37 he is far from a fading force. A broken knee cap ruled him out for half of last season, but the Movistar man looks back to his best after sealing victory at the Tour of Valencia two weeks ago.
ELIA VIVIANI
Age: 29
Team: Quick-Step Floors
2017 result in Abu Dhabi: 134rd
The 2016 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 and he’s already opened his account with an early season win at the Dubai Tour. At 29, Viviani has the chance to be the marquee man on a team that will offer more support than his previous employers.
MARCEL KITTEL
Age: 29
Team: Katusha-Alpecin
2017 result in Abu Dhabi: 87th
The German has been arguably the best sprinter in the world over the past two seasons but is still finding his feet with his new Katusha-Alpecin team. After a successful 2017 campaign which included five Tour de France stage wins, the Arnstadt native will be bidding to seal stage wins in the capital, especially after a disappointing Dubai Tour.
