Elia Viviani seals Dubai Tour overall win with spectacular last day victory pubblicato il 10/02/2018
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Elia Viviani seals Dubai Tour overall win with spectacular last day victory
A stunning job of Fabio Sabatini catapulted his 29-year-old teammate to the biggest GC success of his career
10-Feb-2018: Elia Viviani reigned supreme on the fifth and final stage of the Dubai Tour, netting Quick-Step Floors’ fourth straight GC triumph at the Middle East race, which has served the team well since 2015, the year of our first victory. For the impressive Viviani, it was the second overall win of his career, nearly five years after coming out on top in the Tour of Elk Grove, a short stage race in the United States.

The Italian, whose previous best overall result at the Dubai Tour was a fifth place, went into the final day of the event with a two-second buffer over Magnus Cort (Astana) in the rankings, after putting in a brave fight on the Hatta Dam climb. Protected by the same infallible Quick-Step Floors six-man squad that marshalled the peloton since the opening stage, Elia didn’t need to worry when four riders escaped and established a 4:30-gap, as his teammates took it to the front and cut the deficit, before bringing the attackers back with ten kilometers to go.

As expected, other teams got in the mix to set up the final bunch gallop of the Dubai Tour, and the nervousness that ensued led to a crash on the last right hand corner of the stage, taking several riders to the ground, while others found themselves blocked behind the pile-up.



That incident also meant Viviani had to put in quite the effort to close the gap to the ones in the front, which he did thanks to the help of an impeccable Fabio Sabatini – who once again proved why he is one of the best lead-out men in the business – before opening the sprint with 100 meters remaining and overhauling Marco Haller (Katusha-Alpecin) and Adam Blythe (Aqua Blue Sport) for his third victory of the season, one which landed him also the beautiful “Circle of Stars” trophy.

Minutes after crossing the line, an ecstatic Elia made an analysis of the chaotic, crash-marred finale: “This morning I tried to stay relaxed, but now I must admit that I was very nervous, because my margin in the general classification was a slender one. Our tactic was to let join the break only riders who weren’t posing a danger in the overall, so we don’t have to pull all day long, because I needed all my six teammates for the closing part of the stage. In the final kilometer, Saba did an outstanding job, avoiding the crash, then closing the gap and leading me out. All I had to do was patiently wait, because we had a headwind, and it was important to leave it as late as possible.”



Viviani is one of the seven riders to have joined Quick-Step Floors before the start of 2018, and now, just one month into his season, he boasts four victories, a remarkable amount after three races with the squad, which he credited as the main reason for his superb results since the beginning of the year.

“I came to this team in order to become one of the best sprinters in the world, and 90% of what I have achieved here in Dubai is Quick-Step Floors’ merit. The boys are extraordinary, they rallied around me and offered their huge support, while Brian Holm laid out a perfect tactic. The goal was to win the GC, but at the same time we decided to take it day by day and see what happens. Two stage wins and the general classification is a fantastic way to close out the week. I’m very happy with how I started the season and the good form I have, it gives me even more confidence for my future races”, concluded the Italian, who wrapped up the Dubai Tour also with the red jersey – for the most consistent rider in the points standings – in the bag.
 

Available Images to download
  • Elia-Viviani-Dubai-Tour-Stage-5-Victory-_-Tim-De-Waele---Getty-Images.jpg - Elia Viviani Victory/ © Quick-Step Floors Cycling Team - © Tim De Waele / Getty Images - Photo credit: © Tim De Waele / Getty Images
  • Elia-Viviani-Dubai-Tour-Trophy-_-Tim-De-Waele---Getty-Images.jpg - Elia Viviani Podium/ © Quick-Step Floors Cycling Team - © Tim De Waele / Getty Images - Photo credit: © Tim De Waele / Getty Images

Elia Viviani concludes the Dubai Tour in style
First Italian rider to win the Dubai Tour overall 


Dubai, 10 February 2018 
 Elia Viviani became the first Italian to win the Dubai Tour, following the Briton Mark Cavendish (2015) and the German Marcel Kittel (2016, 2017) as the fourth consecutive winner representing Quick-Step Floors. The American Taylor Phinney was the inaugural winner in 2014 before the sprinters made Dubai their paradise. Viviani won Stage 2 along with today's final stage, confirming both the overall classification and the points classification.


GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors)
2 - Magnus Cort Nielsen (Astana Pro Team) at 12''
3 - Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Merida) at 14"

STAGE RESULT
1 - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) 132km in 3h05’28”, average speed 42.703km/h
2 - Marco Haller (Katusha-Alpecin) s.t.
3 - Adam Blythe (Aqua Blue Sport) s.t.

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JERSEYS

  • The Blue Jersey, sponsored by the Commercial Bank of Dubai (General individual classification by time) - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors)
  • The Red Jersey, sponsored by Emirates (General individual classification by points) - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors)
  • The White Jersey, sponsored by RTA - Roads and Transport Authority (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1993) - Magnus Cort Nielsen (Astana Pro Team)
  • The UAE Flag Jersey, sponsored by DHA - Dubai Health Authority (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) - Quentin Valognes (Team Novo Nordisk)


PRESS CONFERENCE
The Dubai Tour winner Elia Viviani said in the press conference: “When I signed with Quick-Step, I made a big step up. Winning sprints is my job but with this team it's much easier. We've had a good start. Now we have to confirm in the biggest races, mainly in the classics and the Grand Tours. I'm surprised with my shape at this time of the year because I've not done any more training than usual in the off season. The main reason for these early season successes is the team and the planning process. I came straight from Australia to Dubai. I've been looked after very well before the race started here. Now I know why Dubai is such a famous tourist destination. The way I won Stage 2 against the world's best sprinters will remain in my memory. I'm also happy with how I defended the lead yesterday. In today's final sprint, the experience of track racing helped me tremendously.”

H.E. Saeed Hareb, Dubai Sports Council General Secretary, said: “I thank everyone who helped us over these five days of excellent racing. We're already looking forward to the sixth edition. Spectators wise, it's been a success today. We're confident there'll be more next year. Our winner Elia Viviani is a great champion. It's a big success for Dubai's touristic and economic aspects, and from the feedback from the teams. We all work together as a family and team.”

Enrico Filì, RCS Sports and Events DMCC CEO, said: “We're delighted with this fifth edition of the Dubai Tour. On the sport side, we've had great riders competing for the win, and with 192 countries broadcasting the event, we've set a record. The Dubai Tour has grown very much. We're happy to bring the Dubai Tour to the community.”

The second placed rider on General Classification, Magnus Cort Neilsen and winner of the White Jersey for Best Young Rider said: “I was hoping for a better stage result today but I'm happy to finish second in the Dubai Tour and winning the Best Young Rider competition. The crash in the last curve slowed me down a little bit but didn't affect my result. We tried to organize a lead-out with the full team but we didn't succeed. However, I'm more than happy with my week of racing in Dubai.”

Winner of the UAE Flag Jersey for the Intermediate Sprint Classification Quentin Valognessaid: “Every day we tried to break away to win the Intermediate Sprints. We're all happy with this jersey, also with our Italian rider Andrea Peron finishing ninth on the stage today. We have a mission to educate and inspire all people affected by the diabetes. When we perform on the bike, we help changing the life of diabetic people like us, so we're delighted today. Because I had points from my breakaway two days ago, I went for it again. I was the lucky guy of the team.”

Brandon McNulty (Rally Cycling) awarded with Tag Heuer prize #dontcrackunderpressure



 

مرحباً (Marhaban!) from Stage 5, the final stage of the fifth edition of the Dubai Tour


Dubai, 10 February 2018 
– Ù…رحباً (Marhaban!) from Stage 5, the Meraas 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 final stage of the race will end up on City Walk after 132km. 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.

The ceremonial roll out started on schedule at 12.05pm. After crossing the 7,300m neutralised zone, the peloton of 106 riders passed km 0 at 12.22pm. 



WEATHER
Dubai (12.00): slightly clouded, 25°C. Wind: moderate – 13kph, NNE.
Dubai (15.00): slightly clouded, 30°C. Wind: moderate – 18kph, ESE.

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STAGE AND TIMINGS
Stage 5 – Meraas Stage (132km)
From Skydive Dubai to City Walk
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) - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors)
  • The Red Jersey, sponsored by Emirates (General individual classification by points) - Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) - Jersey worn today by Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL - Jumbo)
  • The White Jersey, sponsored by RTA - Roads and Transport Authority (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1993) - 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)

Route
The final stage is a classic, weaving its way through the Old and New Towns. It starts in the direction of the great Meydan Racecourse before crossing Mushrif Park and then heading to the beaches of Al Mamzar. The stage then runs through Deira, Al Maktoum Bridge and the entire Old Town, crossing Port Rashid and from there enters Jumeirah Road past the large Union Flag. After the u-turn point in Burj Al Arab, the stage re-enters Jumeirah Road and runs until City Walk, the site of the finish line.

Last kilometres
After Jumeirah Road the race heads on wide roads towards the final bend, with just 500m to the finish, in City Walk. The finish line is set on an 8.5m wide interlocking slab pavement.



POINTS OF INTEREST
132KM 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.

132KM 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.

132KM 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.

115KM TO FINISH LINE - MEYDAN RACE COURSE
Previously known as Nad al Sheb, Meydan Racecourse is a horse racing facility accommodating over 60,000 spectators in a 1-mile long grandstand. Racing season starts in November and reaches its peak in March with the elite Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, with a dizzying US $10 million prize. The Meydan Group has a complete range of commercial developments, hospitality, sports, entertainment and amusement services, a series of state-of-the-art business parks, residential villa communities, schools, hospitals, business towers with luxury waterfront developments and shopping destinations.

90KM TO FINISH LINE - MUSHRIF PARK
Mushrif Park lies in a sheltered dip amongst rolling sand desert. It’s an artificial desert like a park of 5.25m2 (1,300 acres) with many family entertainment activities. The park’s facilities include swimming pools, fountains, lakes, and children’s play areas, as well as train, camel and pony rides. A special feature is the International Garden Area exhibiting miniature houses from different countries.

86KM 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.

58KM TO FINISH LINE - AL MAMZAR BEACH
A recreational area in an exquisite park on the beach, where people can enjoy barbecue sites, chalets, swimming pools and playgrounds for children, set in a total area of 106 hectares..

49KM TO FINISH LINE - DUBAI CREEK
Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek, winding its way from the trading port on the Gulf to the Ras al Khor bird sanctuary on the desert edge of Dubai. It’s a historic centre of the pearling industry, important to the city’s economy. Nowadays the eastern and western banks are connected by one tunnel and four bridges, while the ferry boats, the traditional form of transport on the creek, are still operating.

44KM TO FINISH LINE - DUBAI FRAME
With two towers 150m high connected by a 93m bridge at the top, this project will uniquely highlight Dubai’s landmarks.The space between the towers forms an amazing view of the city from a high altitude with the bridge serving as an observatory providing views of “Old Dubai” to the north, and “New Dubai” to the south.

43KM TO FINISH LINE - AL SEEF
Al Seef is a bustling destination, spread over 1.8km, that is rooted in Dubai’s culture and heritage, with a charming atmosphere that resonates throughout its distinct heritage and contemporary areas. Tucked away on the banks of Dubai’s much-loved creek, Al Seef has become a focal point for residents and visitors looking for a unique place to shop, dine and stay.

42KM TO FINISH LINE - DUBAI MUSEUM
The oldest existing building in Dubai, Al Fahidi Fort, which houses Dubai Museum was built around 1787, once guarded the landward approaches to the town and was built of coral rock. The Dubai Museum was opened in 1971 to preserve and exhibit the traditional way of life in Dubai. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Rab houses, mosques, Souks and date farms, along with the desert and marine life.

36KM TO FINISH LINE - PORT RASHID
Port Rashid, also known as Mina Rashid, is a manmade, commercial port which opened in 1972. It’s a multi-purpose port equipped to handle both cargo and passengers and is also the Dubai Cruise Terminal.

27KM TO FINISH LINE - ETIHAD MUSEUM
The Etihad Museum focuses on inspiring its visitors with the story of the founding of the UAE. Opened on 7 January 2017, the 25,000 square metre landmark is befittingly located at the very place where the UAE was founded in 1971. The various pavilions house experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives that explore the chronology of events that culminated in the unification of the Emirates, with emphasis on the period from 1968 to 1974. The programmes also aim to educate visitors about the nation’s constitution; in particular the rights, privileges and responsibilities that it bestows upon the people of the UAE.

27KM TO FINISH LINE - THE UNION HOUSE FLAG
As part of the museum initiative, the original Union House where leaders signed the treaty establishing the country was restored, and the famous flagpole at the end of 2nd of December Street was replaced with a slightly taller 123m pole. It stands tall as a powerful symbol of the UAE unity, an iconic attraction and a landmark in Modern Dubai.

27KM TO FINISH LINE - NIKKI BEACH
At Nikki Beach Dubai, on the Palm Jumeirah, guests can enjoy plush sunbeds, a unique menu, exceptional entertainment and panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the cityscape, including the Burj Khalifa.

26KM TO FINISH LINE - LA MER
La Mer is a world-class beachfront by Meraas that comprises three areas – La Mer South, La Mer North and Laguna – with more than 120 shops, cafés and restaurants. La Mer also features 4.5 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches.

20KM 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.

17KM TO FINISH LINE - KITE BEACH
Kite Beach is Dubai’s favourite community beach – a picture-postcard white sands destination, just 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai. There are water sports activities; beach racket sports, fitness and yoga classes, obstacle courses, trampolines, and over 30 fun and quirky cafes. Kite Beach is also a special place on New Year’s Eve, where revellers gather to watch the fireworks and celebrate beneath the stars.

13KM TO FINISH LINE - BURJ AL ARAB
Burj Al Arab, at 321m, is the fourth tallest hotel in the world and one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks. Opened in December 1999, the luxury hotel stands on an artificial island and its shape mimics the sail of a ship. To advertise the local Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open, the hotel used to convert its helipad into a green-roofed tennis court situated 211m high on a surface area of 415 square meters. The iconic first exhibition was a friendly match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi in 2005.

4KM TO FINISH LINE - BOXPARK
Beneath Boxpark’s hip industrial exterior beats a heart of quiet urban cool, a platform of expression for the young – and young at heart. Standing long and proud on Al Wasl Road, if you’re looking for something cool and quirky to eat, a new outfit or product you won’t find anywhere else, try Boxpark.

FINISH LINE - BURJ KHALIFA
Burj Khalifa, by Emaar Properties, is the tallest skyscraper in the World, standing at 829.8m (2,722ft). Construction began in 2004 and this landmark was officially opened on the 4th of January 2010. The design of Burj Khalifa incorporates cultural and historical elements particular to the region such as the spiral minaret. Made of aluminum, stainless steel and more than 26,000 glass panels, part of a reflective glazing system designed to withstand Dubai’s extreme summer temperatures (the outside temperature at the top of the building is thought to be 6 °C/11 °F cooler than at its base). On the 124th floor terrace lies a touristic observation deck named “At the Top”; it is equipped by augmented reality telescopes which enable visitors to view the surrounding landscape.

FINISH LINE - CITY WALK
City Walk, the lifestyle destination by Meraas, is a popular family-friendly neighbourhood with a sophisticated ambiance and a unique mix of high-end retail, dining, entertainment, hospitality, grooming and wellness options. With over 300 retail and dining outlets, City Walk is home to some of the most exclusive international brands and culinary experiences in the world and budding local concepts.

TODAY'S STAGE TV COVERAGE

  • Dubai Sports Channel 1 (Arabic) 12:10-15:15 GST (Live)
  • Dubai Sports Channel 2 (English) 12:10-15:15 GST (Live)
  • Eurosport 2 19:00-20:00 CET (Delayed)
  • Eurosport Asia Pacific 10:30-12:30 CET (Live)
  • Rai Sport / Rai Sport +HD 22:30-24:30 CET (Delayed)
  • 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 SS8 11:30-13:30 SAST (Live)
  • SKY Sport NZ 3 22:30-24:30 NZST (Live)
  • DAZN 18:30-20:30 JST (Live)



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