The two Australian WorldTour races are already fading into the rearview mirror, as the WorldTour peloton metaphorically transitions back to European racing – though not before a pit stop in the United Arab Emirates.

For Chloé Dygert and Tiffany Cromwell, that transition is quite literal, as they head straight from the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race to the 2.WWT UAE Tour. Joining them on the start line will be Wilma Aintila, Chiara Consonni, Antonia Niedermaier, and Soraya Paladin.

Antonia comes into the tour following commendable stage racing results in 2024, finishing second in the youth classification and sixth overall at both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de Suisse, often riding in support of teammate Neve Bradbury. In the UAE, she takes on leadership responsibilities herself.

“I’m feeling excited and a bit nervous coming into my first race of the season,” says Antonia. “Mentally, I’ve been preparing for this moment, and physically, I’ve been training hard to be in good shape.”

Meanwhile, Chiara looks to build on her second-place finish at Trofeo Marratxi-Felanitx, aiming for more top results in a race where she has previously secured four podium stage finishes.

“I feel really good and am always motivated for this race. My form is improving, and I want to do my best. UAE Tour is always great for sprinters, so I hope to get some nice results.”

First held in 2023, the UAE Tour has quickly earned a reputation as a sprinter’s paradise and a battleground for crosswinds, while also offering a key early-season test for climbers and a glimpse at the potential uphill contenders for the coming year. In 2024, it was Neve Bradbury finished second in the General Classification after a daring attack on the relentless 10km climb up Jebel Hafeet, only to be eventually overhauled by World Champion Lotte Kopecky (SDW).

Notably, this year’s edition covers significantly more ground, with the total race distance increasing from 468km to 540km. The most substantial change comes on the Queen Stage, which now includes an additional 24km before the climb of Jebel Hafeet, extending the day’s route to 154km.

“As the key rider for Jebel Hafeet on stage 3, success for me would be achieving a strong result and finishing the stage feeling good,” says Antonia. “It’s also important for me to contribute to the team’s overall performance and work together towards a common goal.”

“For the tour as a whole, my general goals include focusing on nutrition to ensure I have the energy I need to perform at my best, positioning myself well in the peloton to avoid crashes and to stay in contention, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the race. I also want to learn as much as I can from the more experienced riders and use those lessons to improve my own skills and performance, especially being the team leader for the first time.”

Stages one, two, and four stay true to the UAE Tour’s signature style—flat, fast, and often exposed to the elements. With minimal elevation, vast desert landscapes, and a mix of urban and remote stretches, having a strong sprint unit to deploy is key.

“I am excited to ride with Tiffany and Chloé in the sprints. They have a lot of experience and strength, and I look forward to seeing how we can work well together,” says Chiara.

If two years of history is any indication, the fight for the general classification will once again be won on the punishing slopes of Jebel Hafeet. Conversely, mishaps on the flatter stages, especially if crosswinds are in force, could lose the race, but Antonia is ready for the unique challenge that this two-pronged race presents.

“As a GC rider, I know that the sprint-friendly stages present a different set of challenges for me. I need to be vigilant about potential crosswinds and stay near the front of the peloton to avoid getting caught out. The chaotic finishes can be tricky, but I see them as opportunities to test my skills and adaptability as a rider.”

HOW TO FOLLOW

The UAE Tour will be broadcast on Eurosport, Discovery+, Max, and FloBikes, with daily coverage available from 12:00 Central European Time. All stages are set to finish between 13:10 and 13:25 CET. You can also follow the race on X using #UAETourWomen and #UCIWWT, as well as through the CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto social channels.

Stage 1 | 149km | Thursday 06 January | Dubai – Dubai Marina | Start 12:45 GST (9:45 CET).

Stage 2 | 111km | Friday 07 January | Al Dhafra Fort – Al Mirfa | Start 13:50 GST (9:50 CET).

Stage 3 | 152km | Saturday 08 January | Al Ain Police Museum  – Jebel Hafeet | Start 12:10 GST (9:10 CET).

Stage 4 | 128km | Sunday 09 January | Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Marina | Start 13:25 GST (9:25 GST).

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