The Tour of Abu Dhabi started yesterday with a win for Giacomo Nizzolo who held off Mark Cavendish and John Degenkolb in a sprint finish. The race is a last opportunity for riders to take something from the 2016 season and has attracted a star studded cast of high profile riders including Alberto Contador, André Greipel, Vincenzo Nibali, Greg Van Avermaet, Elia Viviani as well as Cavendish and Degenkolb.
Today sees another pan flat stage through the city of Abu Dhabi which presents a few technical difficulties with tight turns on the 155km circuit, although the finish on a wide straight road should be another one for the sprinters. Tomorrow finishes with a steep 11km climb to Jebel Nafeet which could favour the likes of Contador or Nibali as well as deciding on the General Classification. The last day sends the peloton around 26 circuits around Yas Marina on a fast paced stage.
Last year’s winner, Esteban Chaves is not appearing, deciding to take a break from a packed year of World Tour racing, while Bradley Wiggins, who had been scheduled to compete, has elected to stay at home in preparation for the Six Day races in London.
Coverage is on Eurosport live today and tomorrow starting at 13.00 with highlights for Sunday at 16.30. Carlton Kirby, also coming to the end of a long season, will be on the mike calling the action.
