The official route, jerseys and sponsors for the first-ever edition of the UAE Tour Women have been announced. Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the race organiser, has confirmed that the first edition of the race will start in Dubai and finish in Abu Dhabi.
As the first-ever UCI Women’s WorldTour race in the Middle East, the route of the UAE Tour Women will total 468 km and will see riders take on the UAE’s varied terrain, passing a number of landmarks.
From February 9-12, the four stages feature three for sprinters and a stage finish suited to climbers. The race concludes atop of Jebel Hafeet, the same climb featured in the pro men’s race (averaging 8-9% gradients). It is here where Tadej Pogacar has previously won the stage of the last three editions of the UAE Tour.
- Stage 1: Port Rashid – Dubai Harbour (109 km)
- Stage 2: Al Dhafra Castle – Al Mirfa (133 km)
- Stage 3: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium – Jebel Hafeet (107 km)
- Stage 4: Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy – Abu Dhabi Breakwater (119 km)
The official race jerseys will be provided by Italian brand, Alé, which has been a supporter of women’s cycling for a number of years. Alé was behind the formation of the Alé BTC Ljubljana women’s team in 2011, later becoming the first Italian team to join the UCI World Tour in 2020.
- Red Jersey – general classification: worn daily, starting from stage 2, by the leader of the general classification by time; sponsor – Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Academy
- Green Jersey – points classification: worn daily, starting from stage 2, by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprints; sponsor – Bike Abu Dhabi
- White Jersey – young rider classification: worn daily, starting from stage 2, by the best young rider (U25) in the overall classification by time; sponsor – Abu Dhabi 360
- Black Jersey – intermediate sprint classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the rider who has gained more intermediate sprint points than any other rider; sponsor – Experience Abu Dhabi
Official Sponsors of The 2023 UAE Tour
Alongside the sponsors of the four jerseys other sponsors include:
Stage sponsors: Dubai Sports Council, Al Marina Holding, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Presight.ai / G42
- Official car: Bin Hamoodah Auto
- Host broadcasters: Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Dubai Media
- Official partners: Alé, Daman, Tadweer
- Official suppliers: Shimano, Colnago, Wolfi’s, Al Ain Water
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said “Since its outset, the UAE Tour has provided a great opportunity to showcase our country’s landmarks and varied territories to the world.
“It has also allowed us to showcase how the popularity of cycling has grown significantly within the region. Today we are excited to announce the routes and jerseys of the first-ever UAE Tour Women WorldTour race.
“We welcome the world’s best female riders to the region and introduce another world class cycling event to the WorldTour calendar. Showcasing the steps we have taken to promote professional women’s cycling in the region, this latest race represents a major milestone for the country’s development in the sport.”
Fabrizio D’Amico, Chief Operating Officer at RCS Sports and Events and UAE Tour Director, said “We are proud to work with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and bring the UAE Tour Women to the region.
“The goal is to make this race one of the greatest and most important races of the UCI Women’s WorldTour calendar. We truly believe it will bring the same level or excitement as the men’s race and bring new audiences to the sport.
“The race is a hugely important addition to the racing calendar, and provides a unique opportunity to showcase the development of women’s cycling within the country and the whole continent.”
