Irish UCI Pro Continental team Aqua Blue Sport have been announced amongst the teams set to start the fourth edition of the Dubai Tour (2.HC) taking place from January 31st – February 4th 2017, it has been confirmed.
The race, organised by the Dubai Sports Council, has been extended to five stages for 2017 and Aqua Blue Sport are one of 16 teams participating in the race, including 10 UCI WorldTour teams, four UCI Professional Continental teams, one UCI Continental team and a UAE national selection team.
Amongst the WorldTour teams set to start include Trek-Segafredo with John Degenkolb, Team Sky with Elia Viviani and Bahrain Merida Pro Cycling Team with Sonny Colbrelli.
The riders set to compete for Aqua Blue Sport are Adam Blythe (GBR), Andrew Fenn (GBR), Lars-Petter Nordhaug (NOR), Matt Brammeier (IRL), Stefan Denifl (AUT), Mark Christian (GBR), Dan Pearson (GBR) and Lasse Norman Hansen (DEN).
Commenting on the race announcement Aqua Blue Sport owner, Rick Delaney said, “We are very excited about the start of our first season and competing at the Dubai Tour 2017, to be invited to a race of this stature at such an early stage in the life of the team is a testament to the talent of the Aqua Blue Sport riders. Our first week of competition will see the navy and gold of the Aqua Blue Sport jersey being worn in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Australia, and the Dubai Tour 2017, it’s a tremendous achievement for the team and for the backroom staff.”
He continued, “Adam [Blythe] had a standout 2016 winning the British National Road Racing Championship, and he and his teammates are eager to get to the Dubai Tour and start racing.”
Adam Blythe commented, “I’m excited to kick off my season with Aqua Blue Sport at the Dubai Tour 2017, it’ll be a huge opportunity for us to gauge where we’re at as a team. During the training camp in December the team have gelled well together, we’re excited to show what Aqua Blue Sport can do from the outset.”
He continued, “Our ambition for 2017 is not just to compete but also to achieve podium finishes. Aqua Blue Sport fosters an environment that allows us to be the best riders we can be and deliver world class performances – I’m looking forward to a great year ahead with Aqua Blue Sport.”
Aqua Blue Sport make their racing debut at the Cadel Evans Ocean road race in Australia on January 29th followed by the Jayco Herald Sun Tour from February 1st – 5th and The Dubai Tour 2017 from January 31st – February 4th 2017. Aqua Blue Sport will also participate in the Trofeo Laigueglia (Italy) on February 12th and the Tour of Oman from February 14th-19th. Team line-ups for these races will be announced at a later date.
