Stage 4

Previously, there really was only one way to win the Abu Dhabi Tour. He who won the Queen Stage to Jebel Hafeet was sure to win the overall, as all other legs were sprint stages. Now the race features an individual time trial, which should fancy the likes of Tom Dumoulin. Last year, the World Champion time trial fell 10 seconds short on winner Rui Costa in the Queen Stage – a gap the Dutchman should be able to repair in the race against the clock.

The route of the individual time trial is all but complicated. Long straights and just three sharp curves favours those who can push a big gear.

After rolling the start ramp the riders leave Al Maryah Island to enter Reem Island. Via the Gate Tower the route continues to Shams Abu Dhabi. Shams is the Arabic word for sun and at this residential area the race turns to head back to Al Maryah on the same roads.

The first rider leaves the ramp at 13:15 and the arrival of the last one is expected around 15:45 – both local times.