OPQS to Dubai Tour

OPQS to Dubai Tour

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team has announced the selection that will take part in the first edition of the Dubai Tour, from Feb. 5th until Feb. 8th. The race, which serves as the debut of the UCI Asia Tour, features 16 teams and 128 participants. There is a 10km prologue, followed by three flat stages — the longest being a 162.3km third stage.

"We are quite excited to go there for the first time," Sport Director Brian Holm said. "A few of our riders like Mark Cavendish and Tony Martin have already been there — they kind of know the city and the country and are very motivated to go there. For Mark, he will have his first chance to rely on both Alessandro Petacchi and Mark Renshaw in his leadout train. Cav and Renshaw have a lot of history and, combined with a veteran like Peta, we're hoping to have a fair chance for success in a race with so many sprint opportunities. As for Tony, he had a special experience last year when he actually competed against a horse in an exhibition, which was a really nice introduction of cycling to Dubai. Now he can come back and also show Dubai how strong he is against other riders. This will be his first chance to time trial since wrapping up an incredible 2013, which included his third straight UCI World ITT Championship. I am sure he is really focused and wants to take that momentum into his debut in Dubai, even if the first stage is a prologue. He is ready and it will be close. Overall the team is happy to go there, as we can be competitive in every situation."