Good morning from Stage 5 of the UAE Tour
Al Ain, 27 February 2020 – Good morning from Stage 5, the Al Ain Water Stage, of the second edition of the UAE Tour (23-29 February 2020), the one and only WorldTour race in the Middle East. The final climb of Jebel Hafeet will be very important for the General Classification battle.
The peloton, 133 riders strong, passed km 0 at 12:27. Dossard nr. 65, Michael Morkov 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
Al Ain (12.30): Sunny 24°C. Wind: moderate – 24kmh, W.
Jebel Hafeet (around 16.30): Sunny 18°C. Wind: moderate – 24kmh, W.
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JERSEYS
- The Red Jersey, sponsored by Emirates (General individual classification by time) - Adam Yates
- The Green Jersey, sponsored by Mubadala (General individual classification by points) - Caleb Ewan
- The White Jersey, sponsored by Nakheel (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1995) - Tadej Pogacar
- The Black Jersey, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Aviation (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) - Veljko Stojnic
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Adam Yates
2 - Tadej Pogacar at 1'07"
3 - Alexey Lutsenko at 1'35"
THE ROUTE
Stage 5 – AL AIN STAGE WATER - Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet (162km)
The UAE Tour’s mountain stage. A classic stage that featured regularly on the former Abu Dhabi Tour, it offers a familiar route around Al Ain taking in many of the symbolic places (Al Ain Zoo, Al Qattara, Al Hili, Al Ain Oasis) up to Green Mubazzarah where the final climb of Jebel Hafeet (10km) begins.
Last km
The final climb winds its way through wide-ranging hairpin bends on a 3-lane roadway, with slopes mainly around 8-9%, peaking at 11% 3km from the finish. A very short descent in the last km before the last ramp leads to the asphalt finish straight.
POINTS OF INTERESTS
HAZZA BIN ZAYED STADIUM, 162KM TO FINISH LINE
The home of Al Ain FC, this 25,000-seat stadium is one of Al Ain’s tallest buildings and a recognizable landmark. The outer façade design of this stadium is inspired by a palm tree trunk, an integral part of the UAE’s heritage and culture. The stadium is part of a wider project, constructed in phases, which will ultimately include residential, commercial, and entertainment areas, as well as a luxury hotel and sports facilities.
UAE UNIVERSITY, 156KM TO FINISH LINE
United Arab Emirates University is the oldest university in the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 1976. The UAEU is an accredited research-based institution. Its alumni have provided the United Arab Emirates with ministers, diplomats, senior government officials, and business leaders. www.uaeu.ac.ae
QASR AL MUWAIJI, 150KM 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.
AL AIN OASIS, 150KM 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 birdsong 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, 150KM 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, 150KM 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.
SHEIKH KHALIFA BIN ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE, 150KM TO FINISH LINE
The Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque also known as Al Ain Grand Mosque will be able to accommodate more than 20,000 worshipers. It is composed of a basement level and a ground floor only, and will also include a 160-meter wide dome that will cover the main prayer hall and four 60-meter tall minarets. The complex also includes other buildings for ablution, classrooms, and offices, as well as underground parking.
SOUQ AL QATTARA, 137KM 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 handicrafts 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 Qat- tara Fort, now home to a popular arts center, featuring hundreds of modern exhibits, workshops, a café and a library.
AL AIN ZOO, 26KM 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 African animals and 2500 plants. Moreover, the zoo also is home to the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, 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.
JABEL 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 5 International TV Schedule available here.
UAE TOUR APP
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UAE TOUR PRESS ROOM
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