Dates, cyclists and teams: Everything you need to know for Dubai Tour 2016

Below, Ali Khaled outlines the need-to-know information ahead of the 2016 Dubai Tour:

What

The third edition of the Dubai Tour see 16 teams competing over four stages across some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. The race will include the emirate of Fujiarah for the first time and will also be the longest yet with the four stages totalling a distance of 671km.

When

The race this year will take place between February 3-6.

Who

The strong field will be by Bradley Wiggins, last year’s champion Mark Cavendish and former world champions Belgian Philippe Gilbert and the Swiss Fabian Cancellara.

Where

Februray 3: Stage 1 is the coast-to-coast Fujairah Stage (179km) which will start at Dubai Marine International Club (DIMC), run through Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah and end in Fujairah. It will touch the Silicon Oasis area, cut through long desert straights and dunes, as well as a mild sequence of hills in Hatta Mountains before reaching Fujairah where the riders will have to complete two laps of a 6.6km circuit.

February 4: The Nakheel Stage (187km) is made up of two parts, the first across the desert on the outskirts of Dubai, with the second taking place in Dubai Marina and ending at the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah.

February 5: The Westin Stage is the toughest section of the Dubai Tour, a 172km ride which will replicate almost entirely the inaugural edition stage, with the addition of the final climb of Hatta Dam as in the 2015 race.

February 6: The Dubai Tour concludes with the 132km Burj Stage which starts at DIMC and ends at Burj Khalifa, along the way taking in landmarks like Meydan Racecourse, Al Mamzar beach, Maktoum Bridge, Old Town, the Union Flag and Burj Al Arab.

What else?

Tour jerseys

Blue Jersey

General Classification: Worn by the overall winner, the one who has proven to be the fastest and most consistent rider over the four stages. In 2015 the blue jersey was won by Mark Cavendish.

Sponsor: Commercial Bank of Dubai

Red Jersey

Points Classification: Worn by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprint. The red jersey was also won last year by Mark Cavendish, winner of two of four stages.

Sponsor: Fly Emirates

White Jersey

Young Rider Classification: Worn by the best young rider. In 2015 this jersey was gained by the Dane Michael Valgren.

Sponsor: RTA (Roads and Transport Authority)

UAE Flag Jersey

Intermediate Sprint Classification: Worn by the rider who gained more Intermediate Sprint Points than any other rider. Last year’s winner was the Italian Alessandro Bazzana.

Sponsor: DHA (Dubai Health Authority)

2016 Dubai Tour teams

UCI World Teams

Astana Pro Team (Kazakhstan)

BMC Racing Team (USA)

Dimension Data (South Africa)

Etixx-Quick-Step (Belgium)

Lampre-Merida (Italy)

Movistar Team (Spain)

Team Giant-Alpecin (Germany)

Team Sky (Britain)

Tinkoff (Russia)