As sporting spectacles go, there are few more thrilling than pro cycling’s elite sprinters going wheel-to-wheel in a frantic bunch sprint. But as enthralling as it can be – and we have certainly been treated to some sprinting masterclasses in the desert from the likes of Marcel Kittel, Andre Greipel and Tom Boonen – the return of some significant climbs to the route is certainly not a bad thing.
One time trial and three flat stages in Dubai, and then another race against the clock splitting five flat stages in Qatar means we have seen plenty to judge the early-season form of the sprinters this season. Now with Al Hamriya, at 24 kilometres from the finish line, and Al Jissah peaking with just 6.5 kilometres to go, stage three looks set to give us a first chance to see how the likes of Peter Sagan (Cannondale) and Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) are shaping up for the cobbled Classics. Bring it on!
