How the Dubai Tour road closures will affect you this weekend

What’s On previews Dubai Tour 2015 with Vincenzo Nibali. Find out about Dubai Tour road closures and how it will affect traffic in Dubai.

More…
– Cycling in Dubai
– Cycling holidays
– Cycling kit
– Flywheel studios

Cyclists love pain. The inaugural 2014 Dubai Tour was a leg-burning 418km but, for this year’s race, they requested that the route increase in length. They also want a mountain stage. For the second Dubai Tour, 16 teams of eight riders will race around the emirates on a punishing 663km route that acts as a season opener for the sport of professional cycling.

It’s a big year for the 30-year-old Italian rider Vincenzo Nibali. After winning the Tour de France last year, the pressure is on him to repeat the feat. He’s one of only six men to have won all three Grand Tours (Vuelta a Espana in 2010, Giro d’Italia in 2013 and the Tour de France in 2014).

“I don’t think about it,” says Nibali of his place in the history books. “Maybe later I will enjoy the significance but not now. Everyone always told me when you hit 30 you have reached your peak years. That’s what I hope and I expect. I still have a lot to give.”

Nibali rides with the Astana team from Kazakhstan and is delighted to return to Dubai.

“It’s great that cycling is becoming more international. It’s good to start the year in Dubai; the weather is perfect. In Europe, in February, you can’t really train. I will start 2015 very happily here in Dubai.”

DAY ONE – FEBRUARY 4
Dubai International Marine Club – Jebel Ali – Dubai Marina – Jumeirah Beach Road – Union Flag

DAY TWO – FEBRUARY 5
Dubai International Marine Club – Academic City – Al Qudra cycle track – Jumeirah Islands – The Palm

DAY THREE – FEBRUARY 6
Dubai International Marine Club – Sharjah – Ras Al Khaimah – Fujairah – Hatta

DAY FOUR – FEBRUARY 7
Dubai International Marine Club – Meydan – Mushrif Park – Al Mamzar – Deira Creek – Jumeirah Beach Road – Burj Khalifa