The 2025 UAE Tour, one of the prime fixtures on the early-season WorldTour calendar, is set to be exhilarating, featuring some of the most prominent names currently competing on high-performance bikes. From Monday, February 16, to Sunday, February 23, this year's race promises thrilling competition amid the stunning landscapes of the United Arab Emirates.
The tour will kick off with seven stages, beginning with the flat 138km sprint from Madinat Zayed Shams Solar Park to Liwa Palace, rolling through challenging terrains before culminating with the mountain-top finish at Jebel Hafeet. Among the cyclists participating this year is Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates, the reigning champion of the UAE Tour, alongside fellow competitors Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto) and Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers).
What distinguishes the UAE Tour from other competitions is its diverse range of stages which include sprint finishes, time trials, and high-altitude climbs. The stage competition will commence with stage 1, with subsequent stages such as the 12.2km individual time trial on Al Hudayriyat Island featuring tightly contested tactics affecting the overall general classification.
For fans around the globe eager to catch all the action, options abound for watching the UAE Tour. Viewers based in the UK can turn to Discovery+, the streaming platform under Eurosport's umbrella, which transitions to TNT Sports by the end of February. Subscriptions for Discovery+ currently range from £6.99 to £30.99, depending on when one signs up – existing customers can still lock in previous pricing before the hike occurs.
Meanwhile, US fans can tune in through Max. A subscription costs $10 per month or $100 annually with ads; the ad-free experience raises the cost to $16 monthly or $150 annually. USA viewers also need to add the B/R Sports package for another $10 on top of their existing subscription for uninterrupted viewing of all race stages.
Canadian cyclists have access through Flobikes, where they can pay CAD$39.99 per month, or opt for the annual deal at CAD$203.88. Unfortunately, relatives and friends located stateside will face geo-restrictions preventing them from this option.
For those tuning in from Australia and New Zealand, the recently launched Staylive platform offers subscribers extensive coverage of the event suited to their respective audiences. Australians can enjoy access starting at AU$5.99 monthly, or AU$59.99 annually, whereas New Zealand viewers can start at NZ$9.99 monthly or NZ$99 annually. All timings and stages will align with viewing convenience local to these regions.
One notable aspect of viewing the UAE Tour — should our readers be outside their primary viewing regions — is the ability to utilize VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions. This nifty tool allows viewers to snag access to their home broadcasters by disguising their internet connection. TechRadar recommends using NordVPN, highlighting its speed and security features as prime for streaming purposes.
“The UAE Tour features top GT bicycles and the most elite riders, making it unmissable for cycling fans,” excitedly told by Cyclingnews. With drama and challenges hidden around every bend and team collaboration to decipher, this tour promises not just to be about speed, but strategy and excitement.
Buckle up for the thrilling heart of competitive cycling! With competitive spirits high, races expected to be close, and key contenders poised for victory, the UAE Tour 2025 is the ideal kickoff to the cycling season, ensuring every level of cycling fans will have their eyes glued to their screens.