From 3 to 6 February, the four-day race will take in Dubai's most famous landmarks and attract riders from all five continents, with three stages best suited to the sprinters and one to the puncheurs. Dubai Tour is only in its third year – the first edition having been won by the American Taylor Phinney, and last year’s race by the Manxman Mark Cavendish – but is already considered a classic in the early cycling calendar due the mild weather and the superb facilities. It’s more than ‘just’ a big name: for many riders Dubai represents the perfect opening to the season. Indeed the big news for the 2016 Dubai Tour is that the finish of stage 1 – Fujairah Stage – is in another Emirate country, Fujairah. Landmarks of the east coast settlement are the beautiful coastline, the oldest mosque in the UAE (Al-Bidyah Mosque), the charming fortresses (Fujairah Fort, Bithnah Fort and Al-Hayl Castle), the amazing Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Al Hajar Mountains, the highest mountain range in the eastern Arabian peninsula. The other stages include major features of Dubai: Nakheel Stage (stage 2) will finish at the celebrated Palm Jumeirah, in front of the Atlantis Hotel; The Westin Stage (stage 3) will end uphill, beside the turquoise waters of Hatta Dam; Burj Stage (stage 4) is the grand finale at the foot of the colossal Burj Khalifa. The list of participating teams includes 10 UCI WorldTeams (seven of those members of the Velon group), three UCI Professional Continental teams, two UCI Continental teams and the UAE National Selection. Each team at the start of Dubai Tour will consist of six riders. Sir Bradley Wiggins, commenting the announcement, said: "I’m really excited to be racing with my team at the 2016 Dubai Tour. It’s a really exciting event and we’re looking forward to competing with some of the best teams in the world". UCI WorldTeams • ASTANA PRO TEAM (KAZ) • BMC RACING TEAM (USA) • DIMENSION DATA (RSA) • ETIXX - QUICK STEP (BEL) • LAMPRE - MERIDA (ITA) • MOVISTAR TEAM (ESP) • TEAM GIANT - ALPECIN (GER) • TEAM SKY (GBR) • TINKOFF (RUS) • TREK FACTORY RACING (USA) UCI Professional Continental Teams • CCC SPRANDI POLKOWICE (POL) • ONE PRO CYCLING (GBR) • TEAM NOVO NORDISK (USA) UCI Continental Teams • SKYDIVE DUBAI PRO CYCLING TEAM - AL AHLI CLUB (UAE) • TEAM WIGGINS (GBR) National Selection • UAE NATIONAL SELECTION (UAE) The 2016 Dubai Tour jerseys will be provided by Castelli: as for the previous editions the Italian brand has used a lightweight high-tech fabric supplied by SITIP that is both UV-protective and allows for a very rapid rate of heat dissipation. Blue Jersey - General Classification: worn by the overall winner, the one who has proven to be the fastest and most consistent rider over the four stages. In 2015 the blue jersey was won by Mark Cavendish. Red Jersey - Points Classification: worn by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprint. The red jersey was also won by Mark Cavendish, winner of two of four stages. White Jersey - Young Rider Classification: worn by the best young rider, the power and the future. In 2015 this jersey was gained by the Dane Michael Valgren. UAE Flag Jersey - Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn by the rider who gained more Intermediate Sprint Points than any other rider. Last year’s winner was the Italian Alessandro Bazzana.
