Sports | Sunday 19 February, 2017 8:34 am |

 

The iconic Red Jersey is worn by the fastest rider in the race

Stage Two of the WorldTour event leaves from Al Maryah Island on February 24

 Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi's business and lifestyle destination, is supporting the iconic Abu Dhabi Tour by sponsoring the prestigious Red Jersey, and hosting the start of Stage Two on Friday 24 February.

The Abu Dhabi Tour – the only WorldTour race in the Middle East – is organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) in collaboration with RCS Sport and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The famous Red Jersey is awarded to the overall race leader - the rider with the total fastest time - and was worn at last year’s Abu Dhabi Tour by the Italian Andrea Guardini (Astana Pro Team), the Manxman Mark Cavendish (Team Dimension Data) and then on the final podium by the overall GC winner, the Estonian, Tanel Kangert (Astana).

Ali Eid AlMheiri, Executive Director of Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure, commented: “We are extremely proud to be sponsoring the prestigious Red Jersey worn by the world’s best cyclists and hosting the start of Stage Two on February 24 at Al Maryah Island.

“In line with Mubadala’s vision to bring social benefits to the people of Abu Dhabi, we are confident that this event will encourage the community to maintain an active lifestyle, as well as inspire the next generation to explore the world of sport.”

The four-day Abu Dhabi Tour runs from 23 to 26 February and will see 16 WorldTour teams and four UCI Professional Continental Teams at the start of the race.

All the riders will gather at the meeting point on Al Maryah Island at 12:20, with the official line-up announcement at 13:25 ahead of the stage start at 13:30. Stage Two will finish at Al Marina – the site of the UAE Big Flag – at approximately 17:00.

“This exceptional sporting event has achieved UCI WorldTour status for the first time this year, making our Al Maryah Island’s involvement exceptionally poignant and exciting,” added Ali AlMheiri.

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, ADSC’s General Secretary, said: “We are very pleased to have Al Maryah Island involved as sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Tour. It’s great that they start their support of cycling as the Abu Dhabi Tour makes its WorldTour debut. Their brand will benefit from a week-long global exposure, thanks to hosting the start of Stage Two and sponsoring the prestigious Red Jersey for the leading General Classification rider.”

Al Maryah Island is home to Abu Dhabi Global Market, the world’s newest international financial center. Al Maryah Island is comprised of world-class commercial, hotel, retail, leisure, healthcare, and residential components, featuring the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, The Galleria, the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Al Maryah Central.

 

About Al Maryah Island

Al Maryah Island is the business and lifestyle destination at the heart of the capital, connected to the cultural and entertainment districts of Abu Dhabi. Al Maryah Island is home to Abu Dhabi Global Market, the world’s newest international financial center, comprising world-class commercial, hotel, retail, leisure, healthcare, and residential components. Featuring Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, The Galleria, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Al Maryah Central.