Tiberi Leads General Classification Charge for Bahrain Victorious at the UAE Tour
# Tiberi Set to Lead Bahrain Victorious in 2023 UAE Tour General Classification Pursuit
Antonio Tiberi will spearhead Bahrain Victorious’ general classification aspirations at the UAE Tour, the premier WorldTour stage race in the Middle East, from February 16-22. The team is returning to a race where it has previously shone, securing three podium finishes in the last four iterations through Pello Bilbao. This year, the spotlight shifts to Tiberi, who aims to guide the team’s GC challenge after an encouraging start marked by a fourth-place finish at the Volta Valenciana.
As Tiberi emerges as a formidable contender in week-long stage races, he approaches the UAE Tour in high spirits, ready to tackle a course that inherently rewards both climbing skills and time trial capabilities. The eighth edition of the race features a slightly restructured route, promising a more selective competition for the general classification than in past years.
Tiberi will face his first significant challenge with Stage 2’s 12.2 km individual time trial on Hudayriyat Island, where riders will begin to see meaningful time gaps. Subsequently, the attention will shift to the mountainous stage showdown. Stage 3 introduces a fresh challenge with a summit finish at Jebel Mobrah, a steep 13.2 km climb averaging 8.1%, which could lead to bigger splits among the favorites.
The pinnacle of the race is expected to be the penultimate stage, featuring the iconic Jebel Hafeet summit finish, a historic determining factor for the overall winner and a true test for the GC contenders. While the remaining stages likely favor sprinters, the unpredictability of crosswinds and echelons on the exposed desert roads serves as a reminder that race dynamics can shift dramatically at any moment.
Bahrain Victorious brings a balanced roster capable of excelling on various terrains. Young Italian sprinter Daniel Skerl is keen to make the most of sprint opportunities, having gained confidence after finishing seventh on the Breakwater stage last year. Road captain Damiano Caruso will provide crucial experience and climbing support, serving as Tiberi’s key lieutenant during critical uphill segments. Riders Afonso Eulálio and Rainer Kepplinger, fresh off their strong performance at the AlUla Tour, offer additional depth, while Mathijs Paasschens ensures protection on flat stages and Nikias Arndt brings expertise for navigating crosswind conditions.
Sports Director Franco Pellizotti expressed enthusiasm about the team’s dynamics: “The guys are doing very well and the team atmosphere is strong. We’ve been close to a win already this season, and we feel it’s only a matter of time before everything comes together. Hopefully, that moment arrives here in the UAE. Antonio will be our leader. He has started the season well, and his condition is improving step by step. The new climb is an unknown for everyone, but we’re confident.”
Tiberi looks back on his experience at the UAE Tour fondly, recalling, “I raced the UAE Tour in 2023 and I still remember it really well. It’s always a race that gives me a nice feeling when I think about it. It’s such a different place compared to what we’re used to in Europe, something unique, and that makes it special.” Reflecting on his goals, he stated, “My confidence is high… The goal is to fight for the general classification and be up there with the best guys like Remco and del Toro. The longer climbs and the time trial should suit me, so we’ll try to make the difference there. This new climb looks pretty hard, so I think it will be a key moment for the race and maybe create some bigger gaps.”
As the UAE Tour approaches, all eyes will be on Tiberi and the Bahrain Victorious team as they look to carve their name into this year’s competitive landscape.
