DUBAI TOUR: Viviani's birthday party pubblicato il 07/02/2018

Viviani's birthday party
The Italian wins Stage 2 of the Dubai Tour in a bunch sprint. Second placed Dylan Groenewegen retains the Blue Jersey.

Ras Al Khaimah, 7 February 2018 – Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) won Stage 2 of the fifth edition of the Dubai Tour in Ras Al Khaima on the occasion of his 29th birthday as he outsprinted Stage 1 winner Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo), who remains in the lead of the overall classification.

STAGE RESULT
1 - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) 190km in 4h34’31”, average speed 41.527km/h
2 - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo) s.t.
3 - Riccardo Minali (Astana Pro Team) s.t.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo)
2 - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) at 2''
3 - Nathan Van Hooydonck (BMC Racing Team) at 9"

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JERSEYS

  • The Blue Jersey, sponsored by the Commercial Bank of Dubai (General individual classification by time) - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo)
  • The Red Jersey, sponsored by Emirates (General individual classification by points) - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo) - jersey will be worn tomorrow by Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors)
  • The White Jersey, sponsored by RTA - Roads and Transport Authority (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1993) - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo) - jersey will be worn tomorrow by Magnus Cort Nielsen (Astana Pro Team)
  • The UAE Flag Jersey, sponsored by DHA - Dubai Health Authority (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) - Nathan Van Hooydonck (BMC Racing Team)


PRESS CONFERENCE
The stage winner Elia Viviani said in the press conference: “This is the best cycling birthday present I've ever had. My motivation came also from losing yesterday which increased my desire. I can enjoy the lead out I get at Quick-Step. I felt sorry for my teammates yesterday because the loss was my fault. I made a wrong choice. I feel that I'm in the best three years of my career. I'm not a phenomenon. I have to work to challenge the best sprinters. I have no excuse anymore. 
“The feeling with the team is super. Nine times out of ten they deliver me in perfect position. Before, I had to jump from wheel to wheel. It's the best start of a season I've ever had although I'm two kilograms overweight compared to my best form. I still have some work to do before the big classics, including Milano-Sanremo but I feel great.”

The race leader Dylan Groenewegen said: “I'm a little bit disappointed because of a mechanical that made me lose my train. But everything remains possible for me in the Dubai Tour. I'll try to win GC.”

The UAE Flag Jersey leader Nathan Van Hooydonck said: “Yesterday I was feeling good and the pace of the breakaway wasn't too high. So I decided that if I felt good in the neutral zone, I'd give it another try. Tomorrow I'll probably take it easier because breaking away three days in a row might be a bit too much. The jersey is a bonus as we're here to prepare for further goals. If I see a chance to win the intermediate sprints classification I'll go for it.”

TOMORROW'S STAGE
Stage 3 – Dubai Silicon Oasis Stage (180km)
From Skydive Dubai to Fujairah
Sign-on procedures: 09.30-10.45
Alignment: 10.50
Start - KM0: 11.05 (transfer 7,300m)
Finish: Approx. 15.05
Race Headquarters: Skydive Dubai, Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina, UAE

Route
The stage connects Dubai Marina beaches on the Arabian Gulf with Fujairah on the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman). The route runs across the entire stretch of desert between Dubai and Fujairah, crossing the territory of four different Emirates (Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah).
The race runs towards the desert, touching the Silicon Oasis area, with a sequence of roundabouts along the way (on a wide roadway) ahead of the first Intermediate Sprint. Long straights lead to the Hajar Mountains, cutting through the desert ahead of a sequence of short, minor hills. The course then arrives in Fujairah, where the race goes through the city before finishing on the Corniche.

Last kilometres
The last 5km are on wide and well paved asphalted roads. A series of roundabouts starts 3km before the finish line, until the last one which leads to the final 2,000m home straight, on an 8m wide asphalted roadway.

POINTS OF INTEREST
180KM TO FINISH LINE - SKYDIVE DUBAI
Skydive Dubai is the world’s premier skydiving brand, known for its extraordinary and innovative pursuit of excellence in aerial sports and for two of the foremost skydiving locations worldwide.
Its Palm Dropzone, neighbouring the iconic Palm Jumeirah, is located on the coast in the Mina Seyahi area between Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), and is the perfect place for tandem skydiving or for skydivers with advanced skills to fun jump. It has a drop zone of 260,000 square metres and a 42,000-square metre runway that extends into the Arabian Gulf, as well as a full gear store with everything skydivers need, whether catering to newbies or a seasoned pro. 
In the immediate perimeter of the Palm dropzone, just steps away from the dropzone, is Zero Gravity, an unmatched beach, bar and restaurant which offers a unique and exclusive space to bliss out, gather and dine in outstanding surroundings, overlooking exceptional views. Also not to miss is the fully-equipped outdoor gym.

180KM TO FINISH LINE - THE BEACH
Set against the fresh blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, The Beach embodies urban living at its sunny best – the latest entertainment, delicious cuisine, water sports, a 600-metre running track, a fully-equipped outdoor gym that offers classes and some of the city’s best and most unique shops – you really can have it all.

180KM TO FINISH LINE - BLUEWATERS
With an exclusive selection of premium residences, retail, dining, and leisure and entertainment experiences, Bluewaters is a modern, family-oriented island destination with a pioneering spirit that blends waterfront living with the exhilaration of urban city life.
A purpose-built bridge also connects the island with Sheikh Zayed Road, while automated vehicles will transport passengers to Bluewaters from the Dubai Metro. A pedestrian bridge will also link Bluewaters to The Beach.

142KM TO FINISH LINE - DUBAI SILICON OASIS
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) is a free zone, strategically placed on the Mohamed Bin Zayed road and owned by the Government of Dubai. DSOA’s urban master-planned community spans 7.2 square kilometers of state of the art office towers, R&D and industrial zones, educational institutions, luxury apartments, villas, hotels, health care and a full range of lifestyle facilities which translate into a dynamic commercial and social environment.

130KM TO FINISH LINE - DUBAI SAFARI
Dubai Safari is one of Dubai’s premier eco-friendly projects, and houses more than 2,500 animals representing 250 species. Each village – Arabian Safari, Asian, Safari, African, and the Wadi area – has an architectural style, along with animals and plants that reflects its region.

60KM TO FINISH LINE - FOSSIL ROCK
Officially called Jebel Maleihah, this large outcrop is better known as Fossil Rock, after the abundance of marine fossils that were created at a time when much of Arabia was covered by water, and can now be found on its slopes.

40KM TO FINISH LINE - HAJAR MOUNTAINS
The Hajar Mountains divide the low coastal plain of the UAE and Oman from the high desert plateau. Those mountains are an important eco region, 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 mammals such as the mountain gazelles.

5KM TO FINISH LINE - KALBA
Kalba is a town and an exclave of the emirate of Sharjah famous for its peace, tranquillity and areas of natural beauty around its creek - Khor Kalba. This area is involved in an Eco-Tourism Project that aims to create a sustainable platform for tourism development.

FINISH LINE - FUJAIRAH
Fujairah is famous for its beaches on the Gulf of Oman which feature some of the country’s best snorkeling and scuba diving spots – in addition to countless excellent cafés and restaurants. Just a few hundred metres from the beach, you can find Snoopy Island (named a er the famous Peanuts cartoon dog its shape resembles) that is surrounded by a coral reef occasionally visited by rays and turtles. Other famous local attractions include the country’s oldest mosque, the Al Badiyah Mosque; and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the second largest in the country with 65 domes and six minarets. built in 1670 the Fujairah Fort is the former centre of the city and was, for several centuries, the only stone building along the coast.


TOMORROW'S STAGE TV COVERAGE

  • Dubai Sports Channel 1 (Arabic) 11:05-15:15 GST (Live)
  • Dubai Sports Channel 2 (English) 11:05-15:15 GST (Live)
  • Eurosport 1 18:00-20:00 CET (Delayed)
  • Eurosport Asia Pacific 10:30-12:30 CET (Live)
  • Rai Sport / Rai Sport +HD 10:30-12:30 CET (Live)
  • La chaîne L'Équipe 10:30-12:30 CET (Live)
  • Kwesé Sports 1 11:30-13:30 CAT (Live)
  • fuboTV 04:30-06:30 EST (Live)
  • SuperSport SS6 11:30-13:30 SAST (Live)
  • SKY Sport NZ 3 22:30-24:30 NZST (Live)
  • DAZN 18:30-20:30 JST (Live)

#DUBAITOUR
For further information: 
www.dubaitour.com

 

Dubai Tour - Stage 2 Video ready to be shared

Ras Al Khaimah, 7 February 2018 – The Dubai Tour Stage 2 Video, Ras Al Khaimah Stage from Skydive Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah (190km), is ready to be shared.

This video is intended for digital media use only and CANNOT be broadcasted on TV.

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#DUBAITOUR

 

Elia Viviani wins Stage 2, the Ras Al Khaimah Stage, of the Dubai Tour
Dylan Groenewegen retains the Blue Jersey

Ras Al Khaimah, 7 February 2018 – The Italian rider Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) won Stage 2 of the 2018 Dubai Tour, from Skydive Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah (190km), in a bunch sprint. On the finish line he beat Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo), who remains in the lead of the overall General Classification. Third classified was Riccardo Minali (Astana Pro Team).

STAGE RESULT

1 - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) 190km in 4h34’31”, average speed 41.527km/h
2 - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo) s.t.
3 - Riccardo Minali (Astana Pro Team) s.t.

JERSEYS

  • The Blue Jersey, sponsored by the Commercial Bank of Dubai (General individual classification by time) - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo)
  • The Red Jersey, sponsored by Emirates (General individual classification by points) - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo)
  • The White Jersey, sponsored by RTA - Roads and Transport Authority (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1993) - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo)
  • The UAE Flag Jersey, sponsored by DHA - Dubai Health Authority (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) - Nathan Van Hooydonck (BMC Racing Team)

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo)
2 - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) at 2''
3 - Nathan Van Hooydonck (BMC Racing Team) at 9"



Speaking seconds after the stage finish, the winner Elia Viviani said: “Having my birthday today added to my motivation. Losing yesterday was also good for my head. Overnight we felt like we missed one chance that would never be given back. I feel I'm in good condition and have the legs for winning. I had a mechanical but luckily it was with 20km to go and I had time to come back. With 500m to go, my lead out man Fabio Sabatini closed the gap. I chose Kristoff's wheel. I saw Groenewegen coming back with 50 meters but finally the line was in the right place for me to win. I'm pretty happy.”
 
The Blue Jersey, Dylan Groenewegen said: “It's very hard to come only second today after winning yesterday. I had mechanical problems with my first bike, and also with the second 1.5km before the finish. That's how I lost my sprint train and I came very late to the front for sprinting. The only good point for today is that I'm still in the lead of the overall classification but I wanted to win the stage.”



TOMORROW'S STAGE
Stage 3 – Dubai Silicon Oasis Stage (180km)
From Skydive Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah
Sign-on procedures: 09.30-10.45
Alignment: 10.50
Start - KM0: 11.05 (transfer 7,300m)
Finish: Approx. 15.05
Race Headquarters: Skydive Dubai, Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina, UAE

Route
The stage connects Dubai Marina beaches on the Arabian Gulf with Fujairah on the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman). The route runs across the entire stretch of desert between Dubai and Fujairah, crossing the territory of four different Emirates (Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah).
The race runs towards the desert, touching the Silicon Oasis area, with a sequence of roundabouts along the way (on a wide roadway) ahead of the first Intermediate Sprint. Long straights lead to the Hajar Mountains, cutting through the desert ahead of a sequence of short, minor hills. The course then arrives in Fujairah, where the race goes through the city before finishing on the Corniche.

Last kilometres
The last 5km are on wide and well paved asphalted roads. A series of roundabouts starts 3km before the finish line, until the last one which leads to the final 2,000m home straight, on an 8m wide asphalted roadway.



 

مرحباً (Marhaban!) from Stage 2 of the fifth edition of the Dubai Tour

Today is Elia Viviani's (Quick-Step Floors) 29th birthday. Happy birthday!

– Ù…رحباً (Marhaban!) from Stage 2, the Ras Al Khaimah Stage, of the fifth edition of the Dubai Tour (6-10 February 2018), organised by the Dubai Sports Council in partnership with RCS Sports and Events. Starting from the Skydive Dubai, the stage will run through the Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, and end up in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah after 190km. Here, a bunch sprint is expected.

During the stage, 35 Red Jersey Points (of a race total of 165), 10 UAE Flag Jersey Points (of a race total of 50), and 16 seconds in time bonuses are up for grabs. Details of time bonuses and the various sub-competitions are given below.

The ceremonial roll out started on schedule at 10.30am. After crossing the 7,300m neutralised zone, the peloton of 109 riders passed km 0 at 11.46am. Did not start: dossard nr 61 Wenhui Bi (Mitchelton-BikeExchange).

WEATHER
Dubai (10.30): sunny, 25°C. Wind: weak – 6kph, NNW.
Ras Al Khaimah (15.00): slightly clouded, 24°C. Wind: moderate – 13kph, SE.

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Dubai, 7 February 2018 


STAGE AND TIMINGS
Stage 2 – Ras Al Khaimah Stage (190km)
From Skydive Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah
Finish: Approx. 15.05
Race Headquarters: Skydive Dubai, Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina, UAE

JERSEYS

  • The Blue Jersey, sponsored by the Commercial Bank of Dubai (General individual classification by time) - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo)
  • The Red Jersey, sponsored by Emirates (General individual classification by points) - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo) - jersey worn by Magnus Cort Nielsen (Astana Pro Team)
  • The White Jersey, sponsored by RTA - Roads and Transport Authority (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1993) - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo) - jersey worn by Nathan Van Hooydonck (BMC Racing Team)
  • The UAE Flag Jersey, sponsored by DHA - Dubai Health Authority (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) - Daniel Teklehaimanot (Cofidis, Solutions Credits)

Route
The second stage connects Dubai with the northernmost Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, running through the Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. It leaves Dubai on fast, wide roads towards the desert, with a brief detour into the Dubai Design District. The route then runs along Sharjah and Ajman on long straights roads before crossing Umm Al Quwain, where the race goes through a long city section (series of roundabouts) before heading towards Ras Al Khaimah. The finish line is in the Emirate's capital.

Last kilometres
The last kilometres of the race are on wide roads with well-paved asphalt. The home stretch is 300m long and 7.5m wide.



POINTS OF INTEREST

190KM TO FINISH LINE - SKYDIVE DUBAI
Its Palm Dropzone, neighbouring the iconic Palm Jumeirah, is located on the coast in the Mina Seyahi area between Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), and is the perfect place for tandem skydiving or for skydivers with advanced skills to fun jump. It has a drop zone of 260,000 square metres and a 42,000-square metre runway that extends into the Arabian Gulf, as well as a full gear store with everything skydivers need, whether catering to newbies or a seasoned pro. 
In the immediate perimeter of the Palm dropzone, just steps away from the dropzone, is Zero Gravity, an unmatched beach, bar and restaurant which offers a unique and exclusive space to bliss out, gather and dine in outstanding surroundings, overlooking exceptional views. Also not to miss is the fully-equipped outdoor gym.

190KM TO FINISH LINE - THE BEACH
Set against the fresh blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, The Beach embodies urban living at its sunny best – the latest entertainment, delicious cuisine, water sports, a 600-metre running track, a fully-equipped outdoor gym that offers classes and some of the city’s best and most unique shops – you really can have it all.

190KM TO FINISH LINE - BLUEWATERS
With an exclusive selection of premium residences, retail, dining, and leisure and entertainment experiences, Bluewaters is a modern, family-oriented island destination with a pioneering spirit that blends waterfront living with the exhilaration of urban city life.
A purpose-built bridge also connects the island with Sheikh Zayed Road, while automated vehicles will transport passengers to Bluewaters from the Dubai Metro. A pedestrian bridge will also link Bluewaters to The Beach.

173KM TO FINISH LINE - DUBAI WATER CANAL
The Dubai Canal is beautiful – and smart – the five pedestrian bridges are fitted with electric elevators and escalators on both sides, (and one has a concrete bridge to serve cyclists) but also has smart electric poles controllable with a smart app too. The bridges’ concept and their design process was inspired by the current architectural and urban fabric of Dubai.

171KM TO FINISH LINE - DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
The Dubai Design District – also known as d3 – is a purpose-built community dedicated to promoting and nurturing emerging local talent and providing a creative home to established international design, luxury and fashion brands. d3’s facilities include residential, hospitality, retail and office space on a 1.8km long waterfront populated with food, beverage and retail outlets, hotels, and a multi-use outdoor space.

167KM TO FINISH LINE - RAS AL KHOR
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a combination of salt flats, intertidal mudflats, mangroves and lagoons. This natural reserve is among the few protected urban areas in the world and home to more than 500 species of flora and fauna where is possible to spot flamingos, grey herons, great egrets, reef herons, cormorants, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, ospreys.

130KM TO FINISH LINE - SHARJAH UNIVERSITY
The University of Sharjah (UOS) is a comprehensive academic institution with a distinctive learning style and a global vision. It is a pioneer in academia, scientific research and the arts in the UAE and the GCC region. It was established in 1997 by its founder, president and chairman, the ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi and It has 14 colleges and offers 94 programs at the bachelors, masters, doctoral and diplomas levels.

95KM TO FINISH LINE - AJMAN
Ajman is a small emirate overlooking the Arabian Gulf, with tourist attractions including the Ajman’s corniche, the Ajman National Museum situated at Ajman Fort and the Red Fort. The Al Manama museum, in the enclave of Manama, highlights the region’s heritage, traditional architecture and crafts.

66KM TO FINISH LINE - UMM AL QUWAIN
Umm al-Quwain – literally “Mother of Two Powers” – is the least populous of the seven sovereign emirates in the United Arab Emirates and was established as an independent sheikhdom in 1775 by Sheikh Majid Al Mualla. Its main attractions include the UAQ Museum, the water park Dreamland and the UAQ Islands.

25KM TO FINISH LINE - AL MARJAN ISLAND
Al Marjan Island is a group of four coral-shaped islands – Breeze Island, Treasure Island, Dream Island and View Island – forming a 2,700,000 square metre archipelago in Ras Al Khaimah, in the Arabian Gulf. Extending 4.5 kilometres (2.8m) into the sea, Al Marjan Island boasts several hotels and resorts with pristine beaches and water sports. The island also hosts a number of events including the exciting music festival, Destination Dawn. This New Year’s eve, Al Marjan bagged the Guinness World Record for the largest aerial firework shell during a firework spectacle.

18KM TO FINISH LINE - AL HAMRA VILLAGE AND GOLF COURSE
Al Hamra Village and Golf Course a luxurious community with beaches, hotels, residences, lakes and an 18 hole championship golf course which is host to the prestigious European Challenge Tour.

FINISH LINE - RAS AL KHAIMAH
One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history dating back 7,000 years. The UAE’s northernmost emirate boasts an array of archaeological sites and breathtaking natural vistas, from 64km of golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE where you can hike, zipline and cycle.

FINISH LINE - JEBEL JAIS HOME TO LONGEST ZIPLINE IN THE WORLD
In the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah is a spectacular mountain range called Hajar Mountains – which were formed more than 70 million years ago – including Jebel Jais, at 1,934m, the highest peak in the entire UAE. A key feature of the mountains is the abundance of hiking and mountain bike trails. Recently here the longest zipline in the world has been inaugurated propelling Ras Al Khaimah into the major leagues of global adventure tourism and cement Jebel Jais as the region’s leading active adventure tourism destination.


TODAY'S STAGE TV COVERAGE

  • Dubai Sports Channel 1 (Arabic) 10:30-15:15 GST (Live)
  • Dubai Sports Channel 2 (English) 10:30-15:15  GST (Live)
  • Eurosport 2 10:30-12:30 CET (Live)
  • Eurosport Asia Pacific 10:30-12:30 CET (Live)
  • Rai Sport / Rai Sport +HD 10:30-12:30 CET (Live)
  • La chaîne L'Équipe 10:30-12:30 CET (Live)
  • Kwesé Sports 1 11:30-13:30 CAT (Live)
  • fuboTV 04:30-06:30 EST (Live)
  • SuperSport SS6 11:30-13:30 SAST (Live)
  • SKY Sport NZ 2 22:30-24:30 NZST (Live)
  • DAZN 18:30-20:30 JST (Live)




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