مرحباً (Marhaban!) from Stage 2 of the UAE Tour

25 Feb 2019

Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 25 February 2019 – مرحباً (Marhaban!) from Stage 2, the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi Stage, of the inaugural edition of the UAE Tour (24 February – 2 March 2019), the only WorldTour race in the Middle East. The stage action takes place around Abu Dhabi, culminating in a potential bunch sprint.

The peloton, 140 riders strong, passed km 0 at 12:16.

During the stage, 36 points are the maximum available for the Green Jersey (216 is the race total) and 16 for the Black Jersey (96 is the race total). There are a maximum available of 16″ time bonuses too, 3″ in each of the two intermediate sprints and 10″ on the finish line.

Next month, the Special Olympics World Games will be held in Abu Dhabi
The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi will be the largest sports and humanitarian event on the planet in 2019. From 14 – 21 March, over 7,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches, representing more than 190 nations, will participate in 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports in world-class venues throughout Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The first-ever Special Olympics World Games to be held in the Middle East and North Africa will also be the most unified Games in the 50-year history of the Special Olympics movement, with the inclusion of people of determination with intellectual disabilities in every aspect of the event. www.abudhabi2019.org

Dr. Yousef Al Hammadi, Chief Intelligence Officer at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi, said: “A special thanks to the organizers of the UAE Tour for naming the second stage of the race after Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. The UAE Tour is a prestigious cycling race, not just in the region, but around the globe. With the world’s best riders competing and plenty of spectators and media attending, this will help us raise more awareness of the Special Olympics movement and help spread our values of inclusion and unity. Many of these elite riders have raced at the Olympic Games and World Championships before, and I’m sure their participation will truly inspire the Special Olympics athletes when they compete in the cycling competitions in less than 20 days at the World Games.”

Weather:

Yas Mall, Yas Island (12.00 – Start): Sunny 26°C. Wind: strong – 30kmh, SSE.
Abu Dhabi (16.30 – Finish): Sunny 23°C. Wind: strong – 32kmh, SSE.

Download:

Stage 2 Start Photo Gallery
Stage 1 Results (updated from yesterday’s stage, following the correction of a typing error)
UAE Tour Start List
UAE Tour Official Roadbook
UAE Tour Route maps


The start was given by Mohammed Al Zaabi, CEO Miral Asset Management, here in the picture with the Red, the Green and the Black Jerseys

JERSEYS

The Red Jersey, sponsored by the Emirates (General individual classification by time) – Primoz Roglic (Team Jumbo – Visma)
The Green Jersey, sponsored by ADNOC (General individual classification by points) – Primoz Roglic (Team Jumbo – Visma) – Jersey worn by Jos Van Emden (Team Jumbo – Visma)
The White Jersey, sponsored by Nakheel (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1994) – Laurens De Plus (Team Jumbo – Visma)
The Black Jersey, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Aviation (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) – Primoz Roglic (Team Jumbo – Visma) – Jersey worn by Koen Bouwman (Team Jumbo – Visma)

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1 – Primoz Roglic (Team Jumbo – Visma)
2 – Laurens De Plus (Team Jumbo – Visma) s.t.
3 – Jos Van Emden (Team Jumbo – Visma) s.t.

COURSE

Stage 2 – SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES ABU DHABI STAGE – Yas Island-Abu Dhabi Breakwater – 184km
Raced around the streets of the city of Abu Dhabi, Stage 2 follows one of the classic Abu Dhabi Tour stages. Starting from Yas Mall, the first part of the route in the northeast part of the city heads towards Khalifa Port, where there is a U-turn on the pier. The riders return to the city along Channel Street and then they ride through from Yas Island to Saadiyat Island, past the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Corniche until the reaching the finish line at Abu Dhabi Breakwater for what is expected to be the first sprint of the race.

Final Km
The final 5km are all on wide roads with gentle semi-curves that lead to the final straight on tarmac.

POINTS OF INTEREST

1 – YAS ISLAND
Dotted with some of the capital’s most iconic entertainment landmarks, Yas Island Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations and home to one-of-a-kind experiences like no other. Whether dining at Yas Marina, shopping at Yas Mall, taking a swing at Yas Links, taking on the race track at Yas Marina Circuit, making a splash at Yas Waterworld, chasing thrills at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, making friends with Bugs Bunny at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, or simply relaxing at one of the Island’s seven hotels, you’ll find something to delight, inspire and keep you entertained throughout your stay on Yas Island. Discover more: www.yasisland.ae

“Cycling history is in the making with the UAE Tour and, for Yas Island to welcome such inspiring riders as they embark on the second stage of the race, it is a momentous milestone for one of the world’s fastest growing entertainment and leisure destinations,” said Leon Marsh, Miral Asset Management. “With a landscape ideal for this year’s inaugural race, Yas Island features many world-class attractions and is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and dotted with some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Yas Island congratulates all the athletes as they mentally and physically challenge their selves and race through our destination and across the terrain of the seven emirates of the UAE.”

2 – YAS MALL – FAN ZONE
Abu Dhabi‘s largest shopping experience, Yas Mall, greets its visitors with hundreds of leading international and regional brands, a 20 screen state-of-the-art cinema operated by VOX Cinemas, a family entertainment zone by Funworks, and a series of exciting dining options along Cascade Dining.

3 – YAS PLAZA HOTELS
In between the never-ending fun and adventure, you’ll need a place to rest your head for the night. Yas Island provides visitors with six world-class 3 and 4 star hotels to welcome them during their stay.

4 – YAS MARINA
Located along the beautiful waterside promenade, the 227 berth Yas Marina caters to yachts from 8 meters up to 150m in size. Since its launch, Yas Marina has become the ultimate place to be at, any time from morning, until night. Yas Marina offers an array of restaurants, and facilities for indoor and outdoor sports, boat charters, and many other pop-up activities over the weekends, appealing to families and friends.

5 – YAS MARINA CIRCUIT
This is where you can take in the sights and sounds of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, go for a hair-raising spin with an authentic race driving experience, or hit the track for karting with friends. Whatever your need for speed, there are plenty of ways to soak up the electric atmosphere of the same race track frequented by F1® superstars, any time of the year. Take to the track behind the wheel of your choice, from Aston Martin GT4, Mercedes AMG-GTS to Formula Yas 3000 – a car specifically made for Yas Marina Circuit, or gokarting at the Yas Kartzone.

6 – FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI
Under the iconic red roof is Ferrari-inspired fun and thrill for all ages. Guests at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi get to experience an exciting journey through 37 heart pounding rides and attractions. From state-of-the-art simulators, driving experiences and record-breaking rollercoasters – including the world’s fastest at 240 km/h – to interactive child-friendly attractions, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a perfect day out for the entire family.

7 – YAS HOTEL ABU DHABI
Set amidst the Grand Prix circuit, with a section of the track winding through its arch, Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi is innovative design at its best. And if you’re lucky enough to stay on race day, you couldn’t get any closer to the action. If it’s a relaxing holiday you’re after, Yas Hotel has that too. With access to Yas Beach, gorgeous sea views over the marina and a deluxe spa, it offers classic five-star luxury with a beautiful contemporary twist.

8 – YAS WATERWORLD
The ‘World’s Leading Waterpark’ celebrates Emirati pearl diving heritage in a captivating world, featuring more than 40 rides, slides and attractions. Join the quest for the Lost Pearl in character-filled adventures and thrilling rides – including the world’s largest surfable sheet wave and the first and only 5D water adventure in the region – before you end off your experience with an underwater pearl diving adventure to claim your very own treasure.

9 – YAS LINKS
Yas Links is the region’s first true Links golf course. Along Yas Island’s western shores, with an astonishing 112 bunkers and a breathtaking backdrop of the Arabian Sea from every hole, the award-winning course has been ranked the #1 golf course in the Middle East and 44th in the world by Golf Digest. Surrounded by lush mangroves, this is one of the island’s most beautiful locations.

10 – YAS BEACH
If you love the sun, then head to Yas Beach! From an elegant infinity pool, beach chalets and cabanas, to a number of lounges and restaurants, you can take your pick between a fun family beach day – complete with a wide range of exciting water sports and activities – or choose a glamorous after- noon of sun-lounging. You can also journey out in a kayak to explore the distant Yas mangroves, the Island’s best kept secret!

11 – WARNER BROS. WORLD ABU DHABI
Prepare for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, at the world’s first-ever Warner Bros. branded indoor theme park! Warner Bros. WorldTM Abu Dhabi brings together your favorite iconic characters and stories under one roof for the first time in the region. Home to 29 state-of-the-art exhilarating rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and unique live entertainment across six immersive lands in addition to authentically themed shopping and dining experiences, Warner Bros. World is the ultimate destination for the whole family.

12 – KHALIFA PORT
Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port ranks amongst the most modern, technologically advanced ports in the region, and was recognised in 2016 as the second fast- est growing port in the world. Inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi on 12 December, 2012, Khalifa Port is the first semi-automated port in the region. The port island, which includes the region’s only semi-automated container terminal, is 2.7 km2 (1.05 square miles) and is situated some 5 km (3.12 miles) offshore. It is a flagship, deepwater port built to accommodate the largest ships at sea. It is a state-of-the art gateway to Abu Dhabi and handles all of the emirate’s container traffic. Khalifa Port has a Phase 1 capacity of 2.5 million TEUs and 12 million tonnes of general cargo a year and an expected capacity of 15 million TEUs and 35 million tonnes of general cargo by 2030.

13 – SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
This architectural work of art is one the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It features gold gilded chandeliers and the world’s largest hand knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers. The mosque’s first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site. Reflective pools surround the mosque, amplifying its beauty. The striking white and gold colours shining in the sun are transformed at night by a unique lightning system which reflects the phases of the moon.

14 – ZAYED SPORTS CITY
This giant sports complex is home to everything from basketball and beach volleyball facilities to tennis courts, a football stadium and a fitness center. It also has a bowling alley and an ice rink open to visitors. The ZSC’s International Tennis Center-with six training courts and a center court with a spectator capacity of 5,000 – hosts the annual Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

15 – ADNEC
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Center is the largest exhibitions center in the Middle East with a total space of 133,000m2. It was opened by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates in 2007, ADNEC is owned by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company and last summer hosted the very first Abu Dhabi Sports Festival organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).

16 – SAADIYAT ISLAND
Just seven minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Saadiyat Island is undergoing a remarkable transformation into a world class leisure, residential, business and cultural hub of global proportions. Unprecedented in scale and scope, Saadiyat Cultural District is set to become a global cultural hub, housing the world’s largest single concentration of premier cultural assets. These will include the Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi – all designed by Pritzker prize winning architects.

17 – LOUVRE ABU DHABI
Born of an agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France, the Louvre Abu Dhabi houses the aesthetic expressions of different civilisations and cultures, from the most ancient to the most contemporary. You can find out more and plan your visit at www.louvreabudhabi.ae.

18 – AL MARYAH ISLAND
Al Maryah Island is Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business District, with dramatic turquoise sea views, the five-star Rosewood Abu Dhabi sitting at the core of the vibrant Sowwah Square and adjacent to it, the luxurious Galleria Mall.

19 – ABU DHABI CORNICHE
This lengthy stretch of beach extends along Corniche Road from near the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, where you’ll find its main entrance. During the week you can usually find a beach umbrella, but during the week- end they may all go quickly. You can’t swim out very far; floating fences keep you within 40 metres of the beach, and there are plenty of lifeguards around. Abu Dhabi’s pristine Corniche beachfront has been awarded coveted Blue Flag status – the internationally renowned eco-label for beaches and marinas that guarantees clean and safe bathing water. Some 30,000 to 50,000 visitors flock to the Corniche every month, enjoying three separate sections for families, singles and the general public. There are more than 1,100 free parking spaces with a five minute walk of the beach, which charges AED 10 (US $2.7) entry to the family and singles sections. Entry to the public beach is free.

20 – ADNOC HQ
The ADNOC HQ is hosted in a skyscraper on the Abu Dhabi Cornice. The building incorporates energy efficiency and sustainable engineering technologies, such as a double skin façade, photovoltaic glazing and LED exterior lighting. Designed by HOK, the overall building complex consists of more than 65 floors with an office tower, Corniche Club, SPC and Crisis Management Center, a heritage museum and other supporting facilities.

21 – ETIHAD TOWERS
This five tower complex invites residents and visitors to live, work, stay, shop and dine in one destination with panoramic city and Arabian Gulf views. The complex also includes three residential towers and the 280m high, five-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel. The Avenue at Etihad Towers is one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive collections of boutique shops, with many having luxurious private rooms for VIP shopping.

22 – EMIRATES PALACE
A real iconic Abu Dhabi landmark, this luxurious hotel blends Arabian splendour with the latest technology to create a magical and memorable experience. During daytime, the hotel’s golden-sandy colour contrasts with its fresh green gardens, silvery water fountains and the blue sky. At night, the hotel’s lighting changes subtly, featuring a majestic rainbow-changing effect over the main dome.

23 – ABU DHABI PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
The new Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace, on the Ras Al Akhdar peninsula next to Emirates Palace Hotel, will house the offices of H.H. The President, H.H. The Vice President, H.H. The Crown Prince and top state ministers and officials. With its site of approximately 150 hectares, the palace will serve an important role as the primary governmental facility for receiving and hosting visiting dignitaries. Its design, which allows for traditional and modern styles to exist together in harmony, will ultimately be a source of pride for all in the United Arab Emirates.

24 – MARINA MALL, ABU DHABI BREAKWATER
This mall features a 100 metre high viewing platform, an ice rink, a bowling alley, a Cineplex, musical fountains and hundreds of big name brands and stores. A true Abu Dhabi landmark, Marina Mall’s many restaurants and coffee shops make it possible to spend a full day here.

25 – BIG FLAG
A 122m pennon (Guinness World Record in 2001) holds an imposing flags of impressive size (20mx40m). It was inaugurated to celebrate the country’s 30th anniversary.

TV COVERAGE

UAE Tour Stage 2 International TV Schedule available here.

UAE TOUR APP

Download the official UAE Tour App now and stay updated on the race, riders’ timings and all that’s happening during the race:

IOS: https://itunes.apple.com/ae/app/uae-tour/id1451821362?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.rcs.uaetour

UAE TOUR PRESS ROOM

From the official online pressroom the media can download high resolution pictures of the race. In order to download the pictures, just go to http://pressroom.rcssport.it/ (username: press/ password: press), select “Media”, then “Cycling”, then UAE Tour. The photos are free of charge for editorial use, as long as both the UAE Tour and the photographer’s name is quoted.

#UAETOUR
www.theuaetour.com

Photo Credit: LaPresse / Ferrari – Paolone

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