After initially shortening stage four of the Dubai Tour, the race organisers has announced the complete cancellation of the stage to Hatta Dam as result of the weather conditions in the area.
“Based on the poor current weather conditions in Hatta, and the forecast for further deterioration later, the Race Management, in agreement with the Commissaires Panel, have applied the UCI’s Extreme Weather Protocol and have cancelled today’s Stage 4 of the Dubai Tour,” it said in a statement.
This is the second time that the UCI’s extreme weather protocol has been called into action this season, with stage one of the Tour Down Under being shortened as riders faced temperatures of more than 40ºC.
Yesterday, Andrei Grivko was ejected from the race for punching Kittel and the Astana rider claimed that tensions resulting from tough weather conditions had played a part.
As a result, the race’s final standings will be decided in Saturday’s fifth and final stage which takes place on a local circuit in the city of Dubai.
