AG Insurance – Soudal makes debut in the United Arab Emirates

For the first time in the team’s history, AG Insurance – Soudal will line up for a race in the Middle East. On Thursday, February 6, the UAE Tour kicks off, a four-day World Tour stage race that offers opportunities for both sprinters and climbers.

The Route:

Stage 1 – Thursday, February 6: Dubai (149 km, sprint stage)

The opening stage takes place entirely in Dubai, providing a perfect opportunity for the fast riders. The race starts at the Dubai Police Officer’s Club and passes by iconic locations such as Deira, Dubai Safari Park, and Al Qudra Cycle Track. The finish line is set in Dubai Harbour, where a fast mass gallop is expected.

Stage 2 – Friday, February 7: Al Dhafra Fort – Al Mirfa (111 km, sprint stage)

Another opportunity for the sprinters, but in a completely different setting: the desert. The stage starts at the historic Al Dhafra Fort and heads toward Madinat Zayed before continuing to the coast. Long, straight roads are interrupted by wide roundabouts, and in the final part of the stage, the peloton heads toward Al Mirfa on the shores of the Arabian Gulf for the big showdown of the day.

Stage 3 – Saturday, February 8: Al Ain – Jebel Hafeet (152 km, mountain stage)

This queen stage will be the decisive battle for the general classification. The stage gets underway in AlAin, passing famous landmarks such as Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and UAE University, before heading into the desert. The stage’s climax is the iconic Jebel Hafeet, a 10 km climb steep enough to create significant time gaps.

Stage 4 – Sunday, February 9: Abu Dhabi (128 km, sprint stage)

The final stage takes place in and around Abu Dhabi, starting at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Academy. The peloton will ride through Khalifa City, Yas Marina, and the islands of Saadiyat, Al Maryah, and Al Reem, before reaching the finish line at Abu Dhabi Breakwater. This will be the last chance for sprinters to shine.

AG Insurance – Soudal Line-up

For this first-ever participation in the UAE Tour, AG Insurance – Soudal will rely on a well-balanced team:

• ⁠Marthe Goossens
• ⁠Kim Le Court
• ⁠Ashleigh Moolman Pasio
• ⁠Ilse Pluimers
• ⁠Gladys Verhulst – Wild⁠ ⁠
• Urška Žigart

With this mix of climbers and strong finishers, the team is ready to try to make an impact on the four-day race.