With Dubai set to welcome pro cycling’s elite for the first time from today, how the emirate will fare as a cycling venue remains to be seen.
What is undoubted however, is that they know how to host a ceremony.
Set in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, riders including world champion Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida) and Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) were presented to the Dubai crowds.
Check out some great images from the opening ceremony in the gallery below, courtesy of Ansa for the Dubai Tour.