Good morning from Stage 3 of the UAE Tour
Al Qudra Cycle Track, 25 February 2020 – Good morning from Stage 3, the Emirates Stage, of the second edition of the UAE Tour (23-29 February 2020), the one and only WorldTour race in the Middle East. The first mountain stage of the race will face the "classic" climb of Jebel Hafeet.
The peloton, 138 riders strong, passed km 0 at 11:52.
During the stage, 36 points are the maximum available for the Green Jersey (252 is the race total) and 16 for the Black Jersey (112 is the total). There are also a maximum of 16" time bonuses available, 3" in each of the two intermediate sprints and 10" on the finish line.
Thanks to Velon’s rider data system, TV viewers and online users can see the riders’ wattage, speed and cadence. The complete list of riders carrying Velon's device and onboard cameras on today's stage is available here.
WEATHER
Al Qudra Cycle Track (11.55): Sunny 27°C. Wind: moderate – 15kmh, E.
Jebel Hafeet (around 16.30): Clear skies 26°C. Wind: moderate – 9kmh, W.
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JERSEYS
- The Red Jersey, sponsored by Emirates (General individual classification by time) - Caleb Ewan
- The Green Jersey, sponsored by Mubadala (General individual classification by points) - Caleb Ewan, to be worn by Leonardo Tortomasi
- The White Jersey, sponsored by Nakheel (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1995) - Nikolai Cherkasov
- The Black Jersey, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Aviation (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) - Veljko Stojnic
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Caleb Ewan
2 - Sam Bennett at 12"
3 - Arnaud Démare at 16"
THE ROUTE
Stage 3 – THE EMIRATES STAGE - Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet (184km)
Stage 3 connects Dubai with Abu Dhabi. After departing from Al Qudra the route crosses the desert on long straights until reaching Al Ain, where it passes many of the city’s symbolic places, including some sections in common with Stage 5. The route continues up to Green Mubazzarah to begin the final ascent of Jebel Hafeet, with its 10km and slopes mainly around 8-9%, peaking at 11% 3km from the finish.
Last km
The final climb winds its way round wide hairpin bends on a three-lane roadway, with slopes mainly around 8-9%, peaking at 11% 3km from the finish. There are very short descents in the final km before the last ramp and a straight asphalt finish.
POINTS OF INTERESTS
LAST EXIT, KM TO FINISH LINE
Last Exit is a first-of-its-kind themed food truck concept offering a selection of fresh and tasty gourmet street food in a chilled, fun, and convenient atmosphere. Each location has its own unique theme created using upcycled materials, with entertainment for all ages to explore and discover, and a range of convenient services and amenities available 24/7.
AL MARMOON LAKES, 184KM TO FINISH LINE
Located in the Seih Al Salam desert, next to the Dubai cycling track, Al Marmoom Lake is a man-made area of lakes, 10 hectares large, home to more than 130 species of exciting birds. Al Marmoom is part of a project to green and enrich that part of the desert of Dubai. Here you can find glossy ibis, caspian plover, sanderling, ruddy turnstone, gull-billed tern and migratory birds like Eurasian wryneck, rosy starling, common starling, shrikes, wheatears, eagles and falcons.
QASR AL MUWAIJI, 45KM TO FINISH LINE
The historic Qasr Al Muwaiji – birthplace of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE – has been restored to its former glory and reopened to the public as a museum and permanent exhibition. Located in the centre of Al Ain city, Qasr al Muwaiji is an impressive structure that has- watched over the oasis for more than 100 years. Built in the early 20th century, this simple but striking building was originally used as a diwan (a council or seat of governance) and as a place for the community to congregate. Here you can find glossy ibis, caspian plover, sanderling, ruddy turnstone, gull-billed tern and migratory birds like Eurasian wryneck, rosy starling, common starling, shrikes, wheatears, eagles and falcons.
AL AIN OASIS, 45KM TO FINISH LINE
In the heart of the city, the Al Ain Oasis has been opened as the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site visitor experience. Spread over 1,200 hectares (nearly 3,000 acres) and containing more than 147,000 date palms of up to 100 different varieties, this impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms. The cool, shady walkways transport you from the heat and noise of the city to a tranquil haven; all you will hear is bird- song and the rustle of the palm fronds. The site introduces visitors to the delicate oasis eco-system and the importance it has played in the development of the emirate. The oasis landscape of Al Ain is shaped by a complex shared water supply based on both wells and ‘aflaj’, the UAE’s traditional irrigation system. Al Ain Oasis has plenty of working examples of the falaj which have been used for centuries to tap into underground wells.
AL AIN PALACE MUSEUM, 45KM TO FINISH LINE
Located on the western edge of Al Ain Oasis, the Palace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was built in 1937. It was converted into a museum in 1998 and opened to the public in 2001. The original structure comprised a private residence for the ruler and his family within a complex of courtyards. The architectural design and construction of Al Ain Palace is typical of historical buildings of the UAE. It features the characteristic ventilation structures that are designed to keep the buildings cool in the summer.
Locally sourced and environmentally friendly building materials were used, including clay, adobe and plaster stones, as well as palm tree elements for roofing rooms, ceilings, doors and windows. The use of teak was later introduced in the renovation of the buildings.
AL JAHILI FORT, 45KM TO FINISH LINE
Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAE’s most historic buildings. It was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves. The former headquarters of the Oman Trucial Scouts, the force that protected the mountain passes and kept inter-tribal peace, it also served as a residence for the local governor. It is set in beautifully landscaped gardens, and visitors are encouraged to explore it.
SOUQ AL QATTARA, 45KM TO FINISH LINE
Dating back to the mid-20th century and founded by the late Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the palm-lined road linking Al Ain’s Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases, the historic Souq Al Qattara has been renovated and reopened. A traditional handicraft market takes place here every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from October to May, encouraging local families to preserve and promote Abu Dhabi’s heritage through an active involvement in traditional craft production. The Souq is linked to the redeveloped Al Qattara Fort, now home to a popular arts center, featuring hundreds of modern exhibits, workshops, a café and a library.
AL AIN ZOO, 25KM TO FINISH LINE
This 900 hectare park near the base of Jebel Hafeet is where visitors can see a large animal collection in enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats. There are plenty of green public spaces for picnics and also playgrounds, a cafeteria and a train tour of the wildlife area. The Al Ain Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, with at least 30% of its 180 species considered endangered. Conservation efforts have been strengthened by partnerships with San Diego Zoo, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden in Miami, and the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
The Zoo also includes the Al Ain Safari experience. Magnificently positioned against the imposing backdrop of Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Safari has been carefully crafted out of the desert environment. At 217 hectares it is one of the world’s largest man-made African Safaris and home to a range of native Afri- can animals and 2,500 plants.
Moreover, the zoo also is home to the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center, an important educational facility that combines knowledge and learning through interactive exhibits, multimedia and visual materials that have been specially designed by world-class experts and specialists.
GREEN MUBAZZARAH, 13KM TO FINISH LINE
Strategically located at the feet of the Jebel Hafeet Mountains, Green Mubazzarah is home to a number of spending Chalets that make a great retreat away from the clamour of the metropolis providing guests with a deluxe lodging and intimate access to the great outdoors.
Green Mubazzarah occupies part of the rocky mountain side and been landscaped with rolling grassy hillsides alongside streams, hot springs and waterfalls. Green Mubazzarah Chalets is less than a 40-minute drive from Al Ain International Airport and 15 minute-drive from Wadi Adventure.
JEBEL HAFEET, 0KM TO FINISH LINE
Rising 1,240 meters, Jebel Hafeet is the emirate’s highest peak, and the UAE’s second. This towering rocky mountain, which stands guard over Al Ain and borders Oman, is forged out of craggy limestone that has been weathered over millions of years. Significant fossil discoveries have been made in the area, which are vital pieces in the jigsaw on the city’s ancient history. Over 500 ancient burial tombs dating back 5,000 years have been found in the Jebel Hafeet foothills. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views over Al Ain.
TV COVERAGE
UAE Tour Stage 3 International TV Schedule available here.
UAE TOUR APP
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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.
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