Chris Froome will make his Israel Start-Up Nation debut at the UAE Tour from February 21 to 27. Photo: youkeys (licensed)
Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome will make his Israel Start-Up Nation debut at the UAE Tour.
Froome, who was born in Kenya and educated at St John’s College in Johannesburg, won’t be the only Tour de France champion in the peloton for this year’s race from February 21 to 27.
Defending yellow jersey winner Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) is also among the names on the start list confirmed by organisers.
A third rider not to underestimated is Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix), who will be a rider to keep a close eye on during the seven-day battle for the coveted red jersey.
All 19 elite UCI WorldTour teams have confirmed their participation in what will be the third edition of the race.
Last year’s event was cut short due to the outbreak of Covid-19.
While 22-year-old Pogacar has been the talk of the peloton since his sensational win in last year’s Tour de France, 35-year-old Froome is still finding his way back to full fitness following a dreadful crash in June 2019.
Froome’s former Team Ineos will look to new recruit and defending UAE Tour champion Adam Yates to retain his title.
There is also likely to be fierce competition for the sprinter’s jersey with Ireland’s Sam Bennett – who won the green jersey in last year’s Tour de France – and Australia’s Caleb Ewan the most likely candidates for victory.
