Good morning from Stage 2 of the UAE Tour
Hatta, 24 February 2020 – Good morning from Stage 2, the Dubai Municipality Stage, of the second edition of the UAE Tour (23-29 February 2020), the one and only WorldTour race in the Middle East. The stage finish on Hatta Dam is expected to suit the best finisseurs in the peloton.
The peloton, 138 riders strong, passed km 0 at 12:16. Dossard nr. 146 - Laurens De Plus and 75 - Miles Scotson did not start.
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
Hatta (12.20): Mostly Sunny 28°C. Wind: weak – 6kmh, E.
Hatta Dam (around 16.30): Partly Cloudy 28°C. Wind: weak – 6kmh, E.
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JERSEYS
- The Red Jersey, sponsored by Emirates (General individual classification by time) - Pascal Ackermann
- The Green Jersey, sponsored by Mubadala (General individual classification by points) - Pascal Ackermann, worn by Caleb Ewan
- The White Jersey, sponsored by Nakheel (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1995) - Veljko Stojnic
- The Black Jersey, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Aviation (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) - Veljko Stojnic, worn by Leonardo Tortomasi
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Pascal Ackermann
2 - Caleb Ewan at 4"
3 - Veljko Stojnic at 5"
THE ROUTE
Stage 2 – DUBAI MUNICIPALITY STAGE - Hatta - Hatta Dam (168km)
The stage starts from Hatta (Heritage Village) and crosses the Hajar Mountains and the surrounding desert on wide, straight roads with continuous undulations. After the turning point in Fujairah the route returns towards Hatta. Beyond Munay, the route turns to Huwaylat and from there to Hatta Fort. In that stretch the route overcomes two short climbs with slopes around 10% and a series of fords in concrete. In its finale the route crosses Hatta before the challenging climb of Hatta Dam which reaches 17%.
Last km
The last 3km present a continuous ascent with some marked bends ahead of the final climb that leads to the dam. After a short stretch of about 200m with slopes ranging from 12% to 17% the final 150m straight is on 5m wide asphalt.
POINTS OF INTERESTS
HATTA HERITAGE VILLAGE, 5KM TO FINISH LINE
Hatta Heritage Village is a reconstruction of a traditional mountain village located in Hatta, in the Al Hajar Mountains.The mosque and houses within Hatta Heritage Village were originally constructed from materials such as mud, palm tree trunks and fronds (barasti), of 30 buildings, many of which have interior furnishings typical of the UAE in the period prior to development in the 1960s onwards.
HATTA HILL PARK, 5KM TO FINISH LINE
Hatta Hill Park, located on a high hill in Hatta area, was created to serve the residents of the surrounding area, by that, Dubai Municipality has made a quantum leap and added green and entertainment areas in the Emirate of Dubai. The mountainous natural green areas are used for picnics and family gatherings. The park has designated areas for barbecue, children’s play areas, walkways, shaded areas with wooden benches, workout devices and sports yards.
HATTA MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL CENTRE, 10KM TO FINISH LINE
Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre, an initiative backed by Dubai Municipality, is a first MTB Centre in the Middle East, and is home to multiple cross country route of various grades that cater to all levels of ability from absolute beginners to experienced riders. The Hatta Trails are free to ride and self-guided with clear markers and are open all year round. Brave visitors can choose to tackle the trails on their own or join the many hobby groups, some of which meet for weekly rides. Give yourself two-three hours for a riding session, with stops to enjoy the lush surroundings. Hatta is also the centre of a planned packed mountain biking calendar, with endurance challenges, professional races and amateur events. The current facilities include camping, picnic areas, Wadi pools, viewpoint, playground, bathrooms/showers, and parking.
HATTA WADI HUB, 10KM TO FINISH LINE
Hatta Wadi Hub is a trailer-style hotel. The activities on offer include both paid and free options that range from mountain bike (MTB) coaching and rentals, to downhill carting, a human sling shot, axe throwing, archery, freefall jumps, Dr Rock station, adventure rope courses, rope bridge, wall climbing, kids and adult’s trampolines, as well as twin and kids zip lines, among others. www.visithatta.com
HAJAR MOUNTAINS, 50KM TO FINISH LINE
The Hajar Mountains divide the low coastal plain of the UAE and Oman from the high desert plateau. Those mountains are an important ecoregion, being the only habitat above 2,000m elevation in the area. Unlike the rest of Arabia, they host plant life with a number of endemic species. Many fruit trees are grown in the cooler valleys, while numerous birds are found in the mountains along with some.
GRAND SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE, FUJAIRAH
Fujairah’s grand mosque is the second largest in the UAE, after the one in Abu Dhabi. Festooned with six 100m-high minarets, the white granite and marble edifice can accommodate up to 28,000 worshippers. It is not open to non-Muslims, but the impressive exterior alone warrants a look, especially when it is lit up at night.
FUJAIRAH FORT, 115KM TO FINISH LINE
Is characterized by its position on a high hill in the old Fujairah region, and built up to about 20 meters above sea level, and overseas the whole city of Fujairah at this height and is 3km away from the coast.
The design of the Fujairah Fort differs completely from the usual engineering designs of the rest of the forts of the state. Existing buildings three circular towers and a forth square tower and a tall building with a section similar to the tower, these buildings are linked by a wall between the towers to from a central hall in the middle. This irregular design has emerged as one with several specifications, of the irregular shapes of the rocks upon which the fort was built.
HATTA DAM, 0KM TO FINISH LINE
A popular picnic and tourist destination, this dam with scenic mountain views features a big lake for kayaking. Hatta Dam was built in 1990’s to supply the area with electricity and water. Hatta Kayak is a favourite spot for kayaking in UAE. The Hatta Dam is a calm respite from the busy and buzzing city of Dubai. Surrounded by mountains and filled with stunning turquoise water, it’s even a stark contrast to the desert sands you’ll pass on the route to Hatta.
Children of Hatta schools involved in the UAE Tour Educational Project at the start of Stage 2. The UAE Tour Educational Project is aimed at introducing children between 8 and 12 years old to cycling as a part of a healthy lifestyle and safety on the road.
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:
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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