| Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind brings new era of innovation to running Mar 1st 2021, 08:07 Tested for over 11,000 miles, the UA Flow Velociti Wind is the latest chapter in running innovation. Under Armour has been inspired by their stable of elite run athletes and is constantly pursuing the most innovative solutions to help them get better. In a sport where every second counts, the Under Armour team sought to create a lightweight yet supportive shoe that would perform for elite runners in their most taxing workouts. The team focused on a simple idea: how can we create a shoe that's built for speed and breaking barriers? Could they remove the heaviest part of the shoe – the outsole, without sacrificing durability or traction? After three years, over 17 rounds of raw material testing, 9 rounds of biomechanical testing, 15 rounds of shoe testing, and over 11,000 miles of weartesting – they did it. Introducing the all-new UA Flow midsole. UA Flow is a responsive, grippy, and supportive singular-foam compound that eliminates the rubber outsole, enabling Under Armour to create an innovative, high-traction running shoe with nothing on the market like it today. UA Flow makes its debut in the running category with the UA Flow Velociti Wind, a high-performance running shoe offering. The UA Flow Velociti Wind was designed and engineered to provide great responsiveness and energy return, grippy traction so you can run with confidence, and a groundbreaking super-engineered upper solution, UA Warp, that molds perfectly to the human form to unlock performance. The UA Flow Velociti Wind is designed for speed over longer distances – putting the wind at your back with every stride. CREATED TO HELP RUNNERS REACH THEIR FLOW STATE UA Flow came from the minds of their Footwear Innovation Team in Portland, Oregon, who partnered with some of the world's best material science companies to bring a completely new footwear experience. They focused on the simple idea: how could they make it feel like the wind is at your back with every stride? The solution: think outside the box by eliminating the traditional rubber outsole completely, all while providing comfort, flexibility and traction with every step. "Flow is smooth in every sense of the word. It's a smooth experience while running in the shoes. It's a smooth feeling when going throught the entire gate cycle and foot strike. And it also feels smooth in the sense that it is lacking distraction. There's nothing there that is getting in the way of you and your flow state." – Tom Luedeche, Creative Director of Footwear Innovation. The development of UA Flow was executed in partnership between Dow and the Under Armour team including Innovation, Product Design, Biomechanics, Athlete and Consumer Insights groups, and many others – with over 50 people involved in collectively bringing this new technology to fruition. Over 130 elite athletes ran more than 11,000 miles during the product wear-testing phase of the UA Flow development process. The UA Flow midsole technology made its debut in the basketball category with the launch of Stephen Curry's signature shoe, the Curry Flow 8, under his new namesake brand. Working with the basketball legend meant the performance team could leverage their learnings across categories, and design footwear solutions for elite basketball and run athletes. WHAT IS UA FLOW? UA Flow disrupts the design of a traditional running shoe by completely eliminating the rubber outsole, reducing the 2-3 ounces of weight that it adds, on average, from a traditional running shoe. UA Flow is the lightest midsole technology in UA's current running lineup, bringing unparalleled lightweight cushion and long-lasting technology to the run category. The foam has naturally sticky traction, so traditional bulky overlays of the past aren't needed. UA Flow debuts in the run category with the UA Flow Velociti Wind, a lightweight performance running shoe designed for runners who seek a neutral platform with a go-to fast feel. At just 8.5oz (men's size 9), this shoe is a solution for runners looking for speed and support in their tempo workouts, fast-paced long runs, and longer road races. ALL NEW FEATURES CREATE A SHOE MADE FOR PERSONAL BESTS UA Warp is a groundbreaking upper that molds perfectly to the human form to unlock performance. It features supporting tapes that act like seatbelts on the foot, placed precisely where biomechanists found them to be most helpful for a runner. The tapes are in tension when you need them and relax when you don't – eliminating any buckling and pinch points from traditional uppers built with continuous materials. The UA Warp upper then moves in unison with the foot, supporting it in each step to help unlock performance by improving the efficiency of the foot to shoe interface in each stride. UA Warp locks you onto the UA Flow midsole without getting in the way of the foot's natural movement. The UA Flow Velociti Wind helps runners grip the surface better and run with confidence, with unparalleled traction. Flow's rubberless outsole provides higher traction than traditional compounds to grip the surface better. Even without a traditional outsole, wear-testers found that UA Flow performed in any condition they faced – from wet cement to uneven gravel and variable roads. "UA Flow is another huge leap forward for Under Armour—and it opens up the possibilities for future models and seasons," said Josh Rattet, Under Armour Vice President of Global Footwear. "We have been deliberate and focused on our quest to build an authentic and credible run brand over the past few years, and the UA Flow Velociti Wind is truly a testament to our team's commitment to creating solutions to make all runners better." PRODUCT DNA: Weight: Men's 9 – 8.5oz (214g) / Women's 7 – 8.02oz (227g) Heel: 26mm Forefoot: 18mm Offset: 8mm The UA Flow Velociti Wind launches globally on 3 RD March 2021, and will be available for purchase in the UAE from 10 th March in all Under Armour Brand Houses for AED 699. |  | New lodgings set to open at Ras Al Khaimah's Bear Grylls Explorers Camp Feb 28th 2021, 09:57 In the foothills of the UAE's highest peak, Jebel Jais, lies a new mountain attraction set to ignite the fire in belly of adventure-seekers. Guests at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah, can now enjoy a night's sleep in one of the camp's nine recycled cabins, which have been fully kitted out to give guests a night of comfort. Sport360 tried out the new lodgings first hand, with an overnight stay in one of the eco-friendly rooms, before doors open to the public on 3rd March. The camp's cabins, each comfortably fit three people (two adults and a child) thanks to a bunk bed set up with a double on the bottom. Bunk beds: The cabins fit three people and provide basic equipment Like any true adventure into the Great Outdoors there's a real sense of remoteness here, every cabin window has it's own stunning views of the surrounding wadi and the only sounds are those of the mountain goats echoing through the mountains. Despite the remote location, the cabins aren't completely off the grid, which we're thankful for. Each has a washroom with a toilet and hot shower, while the main room has a fridge and a kettle. Basic essentials are provided such as bowls, cutlery, loo roll and warm blankets on the beds. On the outside, each cabin has it's own seating area, complete with BBQ. The lack of WIFI at camp offers us a welcome break from scrolling through our phones, although we couldn't resist posting a picture or two on social media from a walk through the nearby wadi before dinner. There is an on-site shop for guests to buy snacks and beverages, however visitors will need to bring their own food for cooking on the BBQ. Camp at night: Guests can take part in various survival experiences The lodging has been developed especially for smaller groups and has strict safety protocols and social distancing measures in place – the ideal experience for the growing number of travellers who want to escape the everyday of the pandemic world and reconnect with nature. Guests can also enhance their stay with thrilling instructor-led survival courses or activities such as mountain biking and climbing as well as self-guided and instructor-led hikes. There are e-bikes parked at the camp reception, which can be rented out and ridden around the camp, although we've opted to explore the surrounding area on foot. Camp at night: Guests can take part in various survival experiences The following morning we awake early for breakfast before heading out to a brief survival course, where we learn how to tie suitable knots to build a temporary shelter using just a tarpaulin and some rope. Guests have the option to take part in longer, more exhilarating survival courses run by UK experts trained at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, with half-day (3 to 4 hours), 8-hour and 24-hour options available, designed for adults and families; team building activities for corporate companies; and instructor courses for outdoor enthusiasts. Prices start at 450 AED per night per cabin on weekdays and 650 AED a night on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the unique accommodation is designed to host up to three adults, or two adults and one child, with basic self-catering facilities, including a private BBQ on a private outdoor terrace to prepare meals. The on-site shop provides further amenities such as snacks and firewood that can be purchased as and when needed. The camp is also dog friendly, welcoming up to two dogs per cabin with an extra charge of 50 DHS, with owners asked to keep their pets on a leash and accompanied at all times. For bookings and further details please visit www.beargryllscamp.ae | | UAE Tour 2021: Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar claims second title in Emirates Feb 27th 2021, 13:39 Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) has won the third edition of the UAE Tour, the one and only WorldTour race in the Middle East, ahead of Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) and João Almeida (Deceuninck – Quick-Step). Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) has won Stage 7, the Yas Island Stage, beating Sam Bennett (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) and Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious) in the final bunch sprint of the race at the Abu Dhabi Breakwater. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION 1 – Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) 2 – Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) at 35" 3 – João Almeida (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) at 1'02" STAGE RESULT 1 – Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal), 165km in 3h18'29", average speed 44.436km/h 2 – Sam Bennett (Deceuninck – Quick-Step), s.t. 3 – Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious), s.t. JERSEYS The Red Jersey, sponsored by ADNOC (General individual classification by time) – Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) The Green Jersey, sponsored by Etisalat (General individual classification by points) – David Dekker (Jumbo-Visma) The White Jersey, sponsored by Nakheel (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1996) – Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) The Black Jersey, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Aviation (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) – Tony Gallopin (AG2R Citroen Team) Speaking seconds after the stage finish, the winner of the third edition of the UAE Tour Tadej Pogačar said: "This is really big. It was my first goal of the season and my first home race, so it was really important and I'm super happy. My team and teammates did a really good job and we took the win. This is one of our best achievements. I'll come back to the UAE for sure." Caleb Ewan, the Stage 7 winner, said: "We came here to win a stage and there was only one more left to take. There was a bit of pressure on me to wrap up with a good result today. It was a bit of a relief when I crossed the line. I haven't been this far into the year without a win in my whole career. I have big plans for this year. This victory will help me to build my confidence ahead of the races in Europe." | | UAE Tour 2021: Tadej Pogacar extends his overall lead after tight Stage 5 Feb 25th 2021, 15:39 Tadej Pogacar defended the leader's jersey and extended his overall lead on the General Classification standings to 46 seconds after finishing second in Stage 5 of the UAE Tour atop Jebel Jais mountain. All eyes were on the Slovenian as he was pipped to the Stage win by surprise winner Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma). The 170km stage saw the peloton start in Fujairah and finish on the second and final summit of the Tour at Jebel Jais. The wide roads saw a lot of Pogacar's main GC rivals bunched together until around 4km to go. Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) put up a brave fight and was the protagonist of the day's main breakaway and managed to hold on until around 3km to go. The race then sprung into action with Vincenzo Nibali (Trek-Segafredo) and Joao Almeida (Deceuininck-QuickStep) ramping up the speed. Lutsenko was caught by eventual winner Vingegaard inside the final 400m with Pogacar and Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) just behind. Pogacar looked strong in the final meters and outsprinted GC rival Adam Yates to take second place, keeping the red leader's jersey heading into the final stages. What was said Pogacar said: "Today, I was focusing more on the GC guys. In the end there was a lot of headwind in the final climb so it was hard to follow all the attacks. I focused on the most important thing and that was to defend the leader's jersey. It was a great ride by Vingegaard. I am happy with the second place. "There was too much headwind to make a difference between Yates and myself, in the end it came down to a sprint. Now, we still have two more stages, nothing is finished until we cross the last finish line so we need to concentrate and stay focused on the next two stages. "Tomorrow we will be riding in Dubai, it's a special place and I am looking forward to it. The UAE fans are great and I enjoy riding here." The UAE Tour continues into the weekend with the 165km sixth stage coming to Dubai starting from Deira Island and finishing on the Palm tomorrow. The flat course will be another opportunity for the peloton's fast men so keep an eye out for UAE Team Emirates' sprinter, Fernando Gaviria. Stage 5 Results Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) 4:19:08 Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) 00:03" Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) 00:03" General Classification after Stage 5 Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) 17:09:26 Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) 00:45" Joao Almeida (Deceuninck-QuickStep) 01:12 | | Anticipated summit clash awaits in the Arabian Gulf League when Sharjah host Al Jazira Feb 25th 2021, 08:45 A hotly anticipated summit clash in the Arabian Gulf League awaits on Friday when Sharjah host Al Jazira. The pair come into this consequential fixture locked on 37 points, with nine matches to play. Only November's 1-0 victory for the 2018/19 champions, settled by Igor Coronado's first-half penalty, separates them. Both, however, come into the game under a cloud. Jazira failed last week to hit the front for the first time this term when an early 2-0 lead in the Abu Dhabi derby versus Bani Yas descended into an epic 3-3 draw, while leaders Sharjah's 3-0 President's Cup semi-final hammering by Al Nasr on Monday made it four matches without a win. "We will not change anything in our training methods or style of play", Pride of Abu Dhabi boss Marcel Keizer said. "We know how important and special this match is, because the winner will be the sole leader of the league table. "We are expecting a complicated and tough game against a strong side, but we will keep preparing with the same discipline, intensity and focus. "We will face them with our special style of play. The players are feeling comfortable with the system, and we achieved some great results thanks to it, so there is no reason at all to make any changes now." Depleted Al Ain, meanwhile, will begin life without Shoya Nakajima after the waylaid Japan playmaker added to their injury concerns. The celebrated 26-year-old's loan spell from Porto is expected to be over after he suffered a serious ankle injury in training. This will ensure he only played twice for the improving Boss, ahead of Thursday's lengthy trip to an Al Dhafra down in 10th. "Of course, we are now experiencing difficult times," said Al Ain technician Pedro Emanuel of Nakajima. "We will lose an important player because of his injury during the last training session, which is difficult for us, especially after we saw what he could do for the team. "I know that this matter is not easy for the player and we should find solutions within the team itself because it is difficult to find a substitute for the Japanese player with the same abilities." Nassif Al Baydawi's reign at relegation-threatened Fujairah continues with a must-win match against ninth-placed Ittihad Kalba, a mid-table meeting is in store when Al Wasl host Al Wahda and bottom-placed Hatta face a tough task at buoyant Nasr. President's Cup finalists Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club will aim to extend their 13-match undefeated run, in all competitions, versus 11th-placed Khor Fakkan and Bani Yas will close on the top two with victory against sinking Ajman. MATCH-WEEK 18 FIXTURES Thursday 17:30 Fujairah v Ittihad Kalba 17:30 Al Dhafra v Al Ain 20:15 Al Wasl v Al Wahda Friday 17:30 Al Nasr v Hatta 17:30 Bani Yas v Ajman 20:15 Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club v Khor Fakkan 20:15 Sharjah v Al Jazira | | Al Hilal have lost their sense of purpose in a disappointing 2020/21 Feb 24th 2021, 11:56 A moment to exemplify Al Hilal's curious descent arrived in the early running of Tuesday night's derby defeat. Petros was gifted valuable seconds in possession, 40 yards from goal. The alert Pity Martinez ghosted through the space in-between vacant left-back Yasser Al Shahrani and centre-back Ali Al Bulaihi to take down the Brazilian battler's lofted ball, before teasing the game's only strike into the bottom corner while a static defence appealed in vain for an offside call which couldn't offer redemption. An unavoidable feeling is that Hilal, satisfied by three major trophies since November 2019, have become a team without purpose. This is an alarming position for those who pride themselves on insatiable achievement. Results are woeful. Just three wins from 11 Saudi Professional League fixtures has opened up a five-point gap to leaders Shabab, plus cost 2019 AFC Champions League winner Razvan Lucescu his job and already cast a cloud over replacement – however permanent – Rogerio Micale. Yet there remains remarkable consistency in Hilal's output. The 1-0 defeat at King Saud University Stadium featured 69-per-cent possession in their favour. Dominance of the ball in 21 out of 22 fixtures in 2020/21 has been recorded. Average Saudi Professional League possession, according to Wyscout, in the triumphant 2019/20 was 62.8 per cent. This season it's 65.1 per cent. Dribbles per 90 minutes last term were 28.9 and are 29.8 now. Attempts per 90 minutes stand at 12.6 and were 12.4 a season prior. Rogerio Micale has a big job on his hands at Al Hilal (EPA). A rearguard breached so effortlessly by Martinez in midweek is conceding 0.8 goals per game this season. It was 0.9 in 2019/20. Frequency of crossing per 90 minutes has increased to 20.5 from 16.8. A stylistic change, perhaps, which helps partly account for the telling decline of 1.7 goals per game, from last term's rampant 2.5. There will be other, more important factors. Careful study about the reasons behind this shift in productivity is paramount for Micale's prospects. The Brazilian's charges did not perform without bite against Nassr. Colombia pit bull Gustavo Cuellar barged into Morocco winger Nordin Amrabat, Nasser Al Dawsari left his imprint on Petros and Salem Al Dawsari did the same to Saudi Arabia colleague Sultan Al Ghanam. Such intensity, though, was often lacking at the opposite end of the pitch. Nassr centre-back Abdulelah Al Amri's gutsy first-half sliding tackle to deny Bafetimbi Gomis a tap-in showcased a difference between the sides. This intervention was celebrated like a goal by an eight-placed Nassr who appear on the right path under Alen Horvat. Hilal should have far too much quality to keep on labouring through this increasingly miserable campaign. But something needs to immediately change, with two thirds of league matches played. The message of old does not hold the same resonance. Maybe the likes of Gomis and Sebastian Giovinco have gone on a season too far. Argentine winger Luciano Vietto was the only pre-season alteration to the foreign septet. Unwanted Syria forward Omar Khrbin then departed for the UAE's Al Wahda in winter, without being replaced. Teams must evolve with time. Or they soon stagnate. | | Adidas announce their first-ever flagship store in the region Feb 24th 2021, 08:55 adidas have announced the opening of its first-ever flagship store in the region. Located in The Dubai Mall, the new adidas store symbolizes the start of a new era of sports – one that is embedded in digital advancements and sustainable practices and embodies the future of retail experience. "We are thrilled to open our first global flagship store in the region at The Dubai Mall, opening on February 25th. This new flagship brings the very best of our brand in an unrivaled shopping experience where physical and digital meet," said Dave Thomas, Managing Director of Emerging Markets, adidas. "With Dubai increasingly becoming a hub for innovation, creativity, and sustainability, our futuristic retail concept corresponds with the DNA and vision of this dynamic and exciting city." The unique space, which stretches almost 16,000sqft, aims to transcend the traditional shopping journey, improve consumer-brand interaction, and inspire creativity throughout various store activations. Throughout the space, consideration has been given to respecting and protecting the environment by using an extensive range of sustainable and responsibly sourced materials, including recycled plastic, foam and textiles. As the most sustainable adidas store in the region so far, the store is gold LEED-certified, an internationally recognized green building certification system that guarantees the project has been designed and implemented at the highest level of sustainability. In line with the brand's long-term commitment to sustainability, the flagship serves as an immersive experience where consumers can find sustainable product highlights and educate themselves by engaging digital and analogue experiences. The adidas flagship store in The Dubai Mall offers innovative digital signage technologies such as digital ceilings and a digital footwear wall. It provides an uninterrupted browsing experience, immersing the shopper and enabling an intelligently tailored store experience that blurs the lines of digital and physical touchpoints. With the latest mobile technology, consumers will have an uninterrupted shopping journey. The adidas app allows for a premium in-store experience with a real-time product scan and a try-it-on feature called 'Bring it to Me.' They can check their sizes, request the product they want, and have it delivered while browsing the store. Shoppers can also book services through the app and sign up for in-store events. The store offers a game-changing consumer experience with interactive changing room mirrors that use RFID technology to recognize products and provide information. Shoppers will be able to request different sizes and colors without leaving the space. The avant-garde technology integrates customers with the brand's internal process, allowing them to browse through stocks, sizes and various products via smart mirrors and immersive screens in-store. The RFID Smart Fitting Room experience is complemented with the immersive fitting rooms where consumers can see what they look like in a real-world scenario by selecting the fitting room environment on a touch screen. The MakerLab is in the center of the store and provides an unparalleled offering in the region, giving customers a chance to showcase their individuality by customizing their products. Offering a gateway to creativity in all its forms, this space will be activated regularly with specialized designers providing activations in-store. Headline activities include customization through patches, laser engravings, printing, embroidery and more. To further create a one-stop-shop for all sneaker requirements, Crep Protect, the London sneaker service and market innovators in the shoe care industry, will be offering a range of services in-store to keep consumer's sneakers box fresh. adidas aims to nurture the local community of sneakerheads who can come together and share their universal love for all things related to kicks and culture. Shoppers will find the very best of the brand across Sport and Style including Football and Sport Performance apparel and footwear as well as the latest Originals designs and collaborations including YEEZY, adidas by Stella McCartney, Y-3 and IVY PARK. The store will also introduce the first dedicated Outdoor collection in the region for hiking and trail running adventurers. The space will house a dedicated area for Women and Kids within the flagship and a DXB shop for all Dubai exclusive products that will be only available in this store. The Kid's area will have an interactive Football and Basketball game section, providing an engaging sport experience for the young consumers. Please visit adidas.com or download the adidas App to find out the latest calendar of free entry special in-store events, opening hours, and more on the new adidas flagship store in The Dubai Mall. | | UAE Tour 2021: Perfect Pogacar seals stage three win atop Jebel Hafeet Feb 23rd 2021, 13:48 Tadej Pogacar extended his lead at the UAE Tour today after the reigning Tour de France champion rode the perfect race in an impressive team performance that gave the Emirati team its first stage win of this year's UAE Tour. Stage 3 of the UAE Tour brought the peloton from Strata Manufacturing in Al Ain to the Tour's first summit finish atop the picturesque Jebel Hafeet. A high pace was set throughout by the UAE Team Emirates' team who had Jan Polanc, Davide Formolo and new man Rafal Majka all leading the line on behalf of Pogacar up until the final 5km. Pogacar's closest GC rival, Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) pulled clear of the group with about 4km to go with the Slovenian managing to stay on his wheel. With the pressure to win on home soil, Pogacar cooly marked Yates' wheel and stayed with the Brit at every breakaway attempt. Yates couldn't shift Pogacar and with a little under 400 metres to go, Pogacar kicked on and sprinted his way to the finish line, overtaking Yates and racing to UAE Team Emirates' first stage victory of the 2021 UAE Tour in emphatic fashion. Tadej Pogacar on his stage victory said: "We wanted a win, we got one. It was a really tough day, kind of stressful because there was a small chance of echelons again, but the team did a super, super good job. We stayed in the right spots in all the race and the guys drove me to the bottom of the climb really good and then set the pace. All I had to do was respond to attacks. It was super hard but I'm super happy to win." Pogacar now has an overall lead of 43 seconds on Yates and 1:03 on Almeida in the General Classification standings but insisted the race was not won yet. "There's still four stages. Anything can happen. There could be echelons and there's still one more climb. It will be a hard battle until the end." Stage 3 Results Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) 03:58:35 Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) S.T Sergio Higuita (EF Education-Nippo) 00:48" General Classification after Stage 3 Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) 07:58:30 Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) 00:43" Joao Almeida (Deceuininck-Quickstep 01:43" | | Breitling confirmed as UAE Tour 2021 Official Timekeeper Feb 23rd 2021, 13:08 Luxury watchmaker Breitling has been announced as the official timekeeper of the UAE Tour 2021, As Official Timekeeper, the Swiss watchmaker will award the winner of each of the tour's seven stages, and the overall General Classification victor, with a Breitling Endurance Pro, featuring a red inner bezel ring and a bold red rubber strap, matching the UAE Tour's official colour. The partnership is the latest chapter in Breitling's long and storied link with cycling and continues a legacy that has embraced legendary riders such as Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, as well as partnerships with major competitions including the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Commenting on the partnership, Aed Adwan, Managing Director Breitling Middle East, India and Africa said: "We are delighted to be the official timekeeper of the UAE Tour 2021 and to be continuing Breitling's legacy in competitive cycling. With the Endurance Pro we adapted our SuperQuartz technology to the needs of professional athletes who play as hard as they work. And the case is so light that it won't interfere with anyone's training routine or sporting activity." On track: Filippo Ganna won yesterday's Stage 2 The Breitling Endurance Pro combines an ultra lightweight 44 millimetre Breitlight case and a thermocompensated SuperQuartz movement ten times more accurate than conventional quartz, and it offers optimal comfort, matchless precision, and functionality that will appeal both to committed athletes and to more casual sports enthusiasts. The UAE Tour began on the 21st February and concludes on the 27th February. This year's edition will see the riders start and finish in Abu Dhabi and compete over seven diverse stages that showcase the unique landscapes of the UAE. The organising committee will follow all necessary Covid-19 precautions to safeguard the safety of the riders, teams and staff. The seven-day race came into existence when the Dubai Tour and Abu Dhabi Tour merged in 2018. Click here for more on the UAE Tour 2021 | | UAE Tour 2021 – Filippo Ganna maintains his dominance in the time trials Feb 22nd 2021, 15:42 Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) claimed his eighth consecutive time trial victory to remain unbeaten in his specialty for a whole year as he won Stage 2 – Abu Dhabi Sports Council Stage – of the UAE Tour ahead of Stefan Bissegger (EF Education-Nippo) and Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates) on Al Hudayriyat Island. Fourth on the day, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) moved into the lead of the General Classification with a 5'' advantage over João Almeida (Deceuninck-Quick Step) ahead of tomorrow's summit finish on Jebel Hafeet. Stage Result 1 – Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers), 13km in 13'56", average speed 55.981km/h 2 – Stefan Bissegger (EF Education – Nippo) at 14″ 3 – Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates) at 21″ Jerseys The Red Jersey, sponsored by ADNOC (General individual classification by time) – Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) The Green Jersey, sponsored by Etisalat (General individual classification by points) – João Almeida (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) The White Jersey, sponsored by Nakheel (Best Young Rider born after 1 January 1996) – Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), to be worn by Neilson Powless (EF Education – Nippo) The Black Jersey, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Aviation (Intermediate Sprint Jersey Classification) – João Almeida (Deceuninck – Quick-Step), to be worn by Mattia Cattaneo (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) What they said Stage winner Filippo Ganna said in the press conference: "I am really happy with this result, achieved in this amazing Rainbow Jersey. Every ITT is a different race, it is never easy. Some people think that because I am the World Champion, ITTs are easy for me, but it's not like this, every new race is a new test. Today I did a good performance, the next time I'll be doing one will be at Tirreno-Adriatico. Yesterday we had to stop for 'physiologic needs' and then the echelons started. Luckily we had Adam [Yates] in the front, we hope he can claim back the Red Jersey that he won last year. The wind will still play an important role in this race, many things can still change. My focus now is to help Adam [Yates], especially before the climbs begin." The Red Jersey Tadej Pogačar said: "I knew before the time trial that my shape is good at the moment and in the end, I did a really good time trial and I'm super happy with the result. Having the leader's jersey is very good for us. We can go into the upcoming stages with confidence. It was pan-flat today but I actually like that a lot. I train on the flat just as much as on the mountains. Sometimes I prefer the mountains but sometimes I also enjoy riding on the flat, especially in time trials, which is a very nice discipline. I really like to race on the TT bike. "Today, I was more focusing on myself and doing the best time I could than focusing on Joao Almeida's abilities. It did matter to me though before the start how good he'd do. I knew he'd be good. As for me, I actually didn't expect anything. I was just riding for myself. I think I've just done my best TT – for this short length. It was a really good performance from my perspective. "Five seconds lead over Almeida is not a lot but it is an advantage. I'm in the defending position and he needs to attack. It's easier to control than to have to make up time. But there are still five stages left and many things can happen. Tomorrow it's the hardest mountain-top finish. I hope for the best legs I can have. It is a bit of an advantage to know Jebel Hafeet well from last year and from our training camps over here but up the hill, it's a matter of power more than knowledge of every meter of the climb. At the top, the best rider wins. I just want to be first at the top. I'm pretty familiar with this country. I always get a warm welcome in the UAE. It's so nice to come back here. Every time I feel more comfortable. For sure, I will come back here often." The Green Jersey João Almeida said: "I think I did a good effort today. I can be happy with this. It was short but really hard. I didn't know what to expect. In the end, it's about the time gap as well and it is a pretty small gap between me and Tadej Pogacar. We're still very close to each other. I think I'm in a great position before the queen stage although I've never climbed Jebel Hafeet before. I actually don't know these roads. It's a bit of a disadvantage but I don't think it'll make a big difference. It's not going to be easy for sure. We have a long day's riding before we reach the climb as well. Let's hope for the best". | |
Your article is amazing and Thank You for sharing Your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteOnline Dubai Visa