The UAE Tour Women cycling race is set to take place from February 6 to 9, 2025, promising an engaging mix of flat stages and the challenging ascent of Jebel Hafeet. This year's edition marks the third occurrence of the women’s variant, part of the WorldTour series, and it has already garnered interest among cycling fans and athletes alike.
The race consists of four stages, three of which are predominantly flat, leading up to the ultimate showdown at Jebel Hafeet, making it both thrilling and strategic from start to finish. The UAE Tour Women serves as one of the early-season indicators for cyclists aiming to establish their form for the upcoming competitive calendar.
The first stage will commence at the Dubai Police Officer's Club and will cover 149 kilometers, looping through well-known landmarks like Dubai Safari Park and the Al Qudra Cycle Track before concluding at Dubai Harbour. Given the flat terrain, this stage is expected to end with a sprint finish, with favorites including Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx - Protime), Charlotte Kool (Team Picnic PostNL), and Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) vying for victory.
Fans can look forward to the second stage, which runs 111 kilometers from Al Dhafra Fort to Al Mirfa. Similar to the opener, this section of the race is expected to feature long, straight roads, with minimal obstacles posing challenges to the cyclists. This sets the stage for competitive sprints, especially at designated intermediate points. The expected start time is 10:55 AM, with the finish around 1:30 PM.
The third stage is where the competition will intensify as it includes the renowned climb to Jebel Hafeet. Spanning 152 kilometers, this stage is the pivotal moment of the entire tour; as noted, "It's clear how the race must be won: whoever arrives first at the steep ascent will win," reported by _De Leiderstrui_. Cyclists will navigate through Al Ain and the desert before facing Jebel Hafeet, known for its challenging 11-kilometer climb—often exceeding 9% grades, culminating with extremely steep sections. Favorites for this demanding terrain include Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Visma | Lease a Bike), and Juliette Labous (FDJ-SUEZ). The stage is set to start at 9:20 AM, concluding roughly at 1:30 PM.
Finally, the tour will conclude with the fourth stage, which entails 128 kilometers around Abu Dhabi, featuring two more sprints leading up to another anticipated mass sprint finish at Abu Dhabi Breakwater. This stage promises scenic views and an exhilarating race atmosphere as the competitors push for the final victories.
Weather conditions are expected to play their role as well, with forecasts indicating temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius for the initial days, dropping slightly to 22 degrees over the weekend. While the sunny disposition is anticipated, wind conditions could also create surprises; as stated, "the stages in the desert can sometimes yield unexpected outcomes due to the wind." This aspect makes the competition unpredictable and intriguing.
The UAE Tour Women 2025 is seen as particularly significant for establishing form among elite cyclists, especially for last year's winner, Elisa Longo Borghini, who shares team dynamics now with Silvia Persico. The duel within teammates could add another layer of suspense over who will take the honors at the finish line.
Fans and spectators can catch all the action live on Eurosport 1, HBO Max, and Discovery+, with broadcasts typically beginning at 11:50 AM daily. The UAE Tour Women not only showcases the talents of female cyclists but also raises awareness and excitement about women's cycling on the global stage.
Expect these races to highlight not just speed and stamina to reach the flat stages but also the tactical acumen necessary to conquer the steep challenges posed by Jebel Hafeet, ensuring viewers will be treated to some thrilling competitions.