It didn't have a single climbing point, which meant this was a very flat stage, suitable only for the teams' lead sprinters...
Notably, the section of the stage from the starting arch to the first intermediate sprint point at the 53.5-kilometer mark was a completely straight road with no turns whatsoever.
A stage like this wasn't suited for our nation's own climber, Huang Chong—who joined the Bora Team this new season—to contend for the victory.
So, from the very start of the race, we could clearly see Huang Chong choosing to stick with his team's climbing leaders, riding steadily within the peloton...
Also, I know everyone is very curious about Huang Chong's role and responsibilities on the team for the Tour of the United Arab Emirates. We learned directly from the Bora Team's official sources that his assigned role for this tour is team lieutenant.
