CANYON//SRAM Racing will start its 2023 season at the UAE Women’s Tour on Thursday, 9 February. The team’s roster for the four-day Women’s World Tour stage race is Elise Chabbey, Tiffany Cromwell, Soraya Paladin, Pauliena Rooijakkers, Sarah Roy and Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka.

For Agnieszka, it will be her first race with CANYON//SRAM Racing. The Polish rider, who had a stellar 2022 season, including general classification wins at Lotto Belgium Tour and Giro Toscana, expects the three flat stages and one hilltop finish to be a tight battle.

“Despite it being mostly flat stages, we’re hoping strong winds can make it a tough tour. I am looking forward to this first start with the team, and at the same time, I feel calm,” says Agnieszka.

“I can see that we have all done good work in the winter, and I am confident this will bring successful results. Although we just get to know each other, we make a very strong team.”

CANYON//SRAM Racing recently finished its second of two training camps, and teammate Soraya believes the team has prepared well for the season opener in UAE.

“The last training camp had a lot of intense efforts and race preparation. Our group is motivated to start the season and to show our potential,” explains Soraya.

“We know there are some strong sprinters at this tour, but the goal is to contend with our lead out and step on the podium with our sprinter. The third stage will be the opportunity for GC, and we have a strong team for the Jebel Hafeet climb. I can’t wait to start the season and to support my teammates this week.”

HOW TO WATCH

The UAE Women’s Tour starts on Thursday, 9 February, and can be followed on Twitter with #UAETourWomen and #UCIWWT. The stages are broadcast live on GCN and Eurosport daily at 12:00CET.

Stage 1 | Port Rashid – Dubai Harbour | 109km

Stage 2 | Al Dhafra Castle – Al Mirfa | 133km

Stage 3 | Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium – Jebel Hafeet | 107km

Stage 4 | Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sport Academy – Abu Dhabi Breakwater | 119km

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