HH SHEIKH NAHYAN BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN TAKES PART IN ABU DHABI TOUR PROMOTIONAL EVENTS

The occasion underlined the Abu Dhabi Sports Council's commitment to cycling and running in the UAE capital, and served as a reminder that the track of the Yas Marina Circuit will be open from October for “StartYAS” on Sunday evenings, as well as the usual “TrainYAS” sessions on Tuesdays and the Wednesday evenings, women-only “GoYAS” sessions.

• TrainYAS Photo Gallery
• Promotional Tour Program
• Abu Dhabi Tour official entry list
• Abu Dhabi Tour official roadbook
• Abu Dhabi Tour route details

FROM TOMORROW THE FAN ZONE
The Fan Zone opens at Yas Mall tomorrow, and remains in operation until 11 October. It's the place where fans can find out all about the Abu Dhabi Tour. They can follow every stage live, collect promotional souvenirs and lift the Abu Dhabi Tour trophy. There is be a bicycle workshop for kids, and bike lab to set up bikes for the Parade. Opening hours: Thursday and Friday: 10am-12pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am-10pm.

FINAL STAGE AND PARADE
For the final stage on 11 October, entry to the Yas Marina Circuit is free. The Circuit will open at 3.30pm local time, in time for the race start at 4.40pm. After the race, there will be an spectacular show and concert with magicians, light shows and music for fans inside the circuit, which fans can enjoy while they ride their bikes around the track. A unique atmosphere is guaranteed.

For the final Parade, members of the public can customize their bikes themselves and and join the Parade directly at the circuit, or they can pick up their free Parade Kit at the Fan Zone inside the Yas Mall, or from the promotional double decker buses.

ACCREDITATION
We kindly remind members of the media that access to the media facilities and race finish is limited to those who have completed the accreditation process and can present a race accreditation. The accreditation centre is at Gate 20 of the Yas Marina Circuit and will close at 5.00pm. The office is before the entrance on the right hand side.

ABU DHABI TOUR TV COVERAGE
The Abu Dhabi Tour 2015 will be shown in 169 countries; nine TV networks will broadcast the race, eight of them live.

The Host Broadcaster is Abu Dhabi Media, who will also provide the full coverage of the event live across the United Arab Emirates and in 22 other Middle Eastern and North African nations. Eurosport will broadcast the event on its European and Asia Pacific networks, along with SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa), RAI (Italy) and the Chinese platforms Hy Sports Channel, iqiyi.com, Wasu TV, youku.com and Image TV.

The press agencies SNTV (Sports News Television) and Reuters will be distributing event news via their international circuits.

 

• Abu Dhabi Tour website
• Abu Dhabi Tour YouTube Channel
• Facebook page
• Twitter page
• Google+ Profile
• Instagram official

 

ROUTE INFORMATION
Stage 1 – The ADNOC Stage (174km): The entire stage takes place in the stunning Rub al Khali desert, part of Abu Dhabi’s Western Region. Starting among the red sand dunes that surround the beautiful Qasr Al Sarab Resort, the undulating race route accrues around 1,200m of vertical climbing. The riders will trace a ring around Liwa and the nearby oasis, passing through the town twice. The riders then head north along straight roads for 55km, with the slightest of downhill gradients, as far as the town of Madinat Zayed. After the first crossing of the finish line, the peloton then enters a final 15km loop, to be ridden just once. A mass sprint is expected, although the desert winds could influence the outcome.

Stage 2 – The Capital Stage (129km): A flat stage across the city, starting at the Yas Marina Circuit and heading towards the southern part of the city along wide and mostly straight roads. After the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Exhibition Hall, the peloton turns back on itself, returning to Yas Island, then follows the Corniche until the Emirates Palace. There the riders will face a U-turn, cycling again alongside the Corniche until Yas Island, where the finish line is positioned next to the Yas Mall. Again, a mass sprint is expected.

Stage 3 – The Al Ain Stage (142km): The toughest stage of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour. Starting from Al Qattara Souq, the first 33km follow a series of broad, straight roads, then the peloton will trace a wide circle around the city, crossing the Green Mubazzarah oasis before starting the final climb. 11km long, the Jebel Hafeet ascent reaches an altitude of 1,000m on gradients that average 7.5% and touch 12% on the lower slopes. The climb, on wide, well surfaced roads and with long, sweeping bends, eases into a short descent with 1.5km to go, before resuming a shallow climb to the finish line. The final climb will, in all probability, decide the General Classification.

Stage 4 – The Yas Stage (110km): The entire stage takes place at night on the Yas Marina Circuit. 110km at night under the floodlights of the F1 Circuit. The peloton will complete 20 laps (5.5km each) culminating in the last Abu Dhabi Tour sprint. The circuit is wide and the surface is in impeccable condition.