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All set for Abu Dhabi Tour

Abu Dhabi - Jerseys introduced for season ending event inspired by UAE flag

The Jerseys for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour are unique and striking and what remains now is a fitting race to match it.
The cycling race, which brings the curtains down on the season, has been inspired by the UAE flag, with the four different race classifications in red, green, white and black.
The Jerseys for the Tour, which begins in about three weeks time from October 8 to 11, was unveiled at a glittering ceremony by race ambassador and ace British sprinter Mark Cavendish at the Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesday.
The Red Jersey (General Classification) will be worn by the overall winners, the one who has proven himself to be the fastest and most consistent rider over the course. The Green Jersey (Points Classification) will be worn by the fastest man of the peloton, while the White Jersey is given to the best young Under-25 rider in the overall classification.
The Black Jersey, for the Intermediate Sprint Classification, will be worn by the rider who gains more Intermediate Sprint Points than any other rider.
"It is an honour to unveil the jersey. The jerseys have drawn inspiration from the UAE flag. We wish this will be a race that will stay in your memories and look forward to year after year," Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said on Tuesday.
"Bikes and jerseys are an inseparable couple. And cycling fans know how important the Jersey's reputation is for the success of a stage tour. Ours is a choice of identity: red, green, white and black, representing the UAE and the unity. And it is important to carry on this content through sport," Al Awani added.
The Leader's jersey is sponsored by ADNOC, while the Points Classification Leader will have the emblem of 'Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA).'
The Best Young Rider Classification Leader is supported by The National, while the Intermediate Sprint Classification Leader is backed by Etihad Airways.
"I'm honoured to be here today in the role of Official Ambassador. This is an important step on the road to the debut Abu Dhabi Tour. Jerseys are the symbols of our sport: the colours and meanings behind them are very important. I definitely like these colours and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council's choice," said Cavendish.
The Abu Dhabi Tour, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with RCS Sport, consists of four stages covering a total distance of 555km. Three of the stages favour the sprinters, while the remaining stage (the third), finishing uphill after a 750m climb with gradients touching 12%, will probably decide the General Classification.
james@khaleejtimes.com