Jebel Mobrah's 'Grim' Ascent: A New Monster Summit Set to Redefine UAE Tour's General Classification Battle

United Arab Emirates - Ekhbary News Agency

Jebel Mobrah's 'Grim' Ascent: A New Monster Summit Set to Redefine UAE Tour's General Classification Battle

The elite peloton of the UAE Tour is steeling itself for the formidable new summit finish of Jebel Mobrah, an ascent that promises to redefine the race's dynamics and potentially decide the overall general classification. As Stage 3 unfolds, this 14.9-kilometer climb, featuring an average gradient of 12% and pitches reaching a staggering 17%, stands as a monumental challenge, testing the limits of endurance and tactical prowess among the sport's top climbers and GC contenders.

Situated on the border of Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah, Jebel Mobrah represents a significant departure from the traditional UAE Tour deciders like Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet. This new summit is not merely another climb; it is a true test of attrition. The 168-kilometer stage begins relatively straightforwardly from Umm al Quwain before the road begins its gradual ascent. The initial four kilometers of the climb average a respectable 7.6%, enough to wake up the legs, but the real test lies in the final seven kilometers where the gradient bites hard, averaging a stinging 12% with peaks of 17%.

While Jebel Mobrah may not yet possess the historical gravitas of legendary climbs such as the Alto de l'Angliru or Monte Zoncolan, the combination of its steep pitches and the region's high temperatures could make it equally unforgiving. Many riders believe this unique ascent offers a rare opportunity for a pure climbing battle, where significant time gaps could open up, dramatically altering the complexion of the race.

Riders have not shied away from expressing their apprehension and anticipation for the impending climb. Josh Tarling of Ineos Grenadiers described the ascent simply as "Grim, isn't it, grim," but added with cautious optimism that, "I think it's going to be good for the race, and better for the climbers, so it's gonna be a toss-up." Derek Gee-West, making his debut for Lidl-Trek after a challenging period, was particularly wary of the gradients. "To be honest, I hadn't even thought about the race until Giulio [Ciccone] got sick, and then I looked at the climb, and I went, 'Oh, that's something'." He further elaborated, "So I don't know if I will be able to get all 70 of my kilos over those gradients so easily, but I think it should be a good test, and I've never seen a climb that hard, so I'm excited to see what it's like."

The implications for the General Classification cannot be overstated. After years of Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet often dictating the GC outcome, Jebel Mobrah presents a fresh scenario where the cream could truly rise to the top. Gee-West predicted, "To be quite honest, I think the gaps are going to be so massive on a climb like that – obviously, you can never know how it's gonna be raced or how people are gonna tackle a climb that is so unique – but just on paper, it looks so hard that it seems like the entire race will be decided."

All eyes will be on the burgeoning rivalry between race leader Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Having traded blows with respective stage wins in the opening two days, the duo are vying for supremacy. Del Toro faces a 32-second deficit to Evenepoel after the Belgian's powerful display in the Stage 2 time trial, putting pressure on the young Mexican to attack. Del Toro himself described the ascent as "a crazy hard climb" after winning Stage 1, and it's reported he had already scouted the route.

Beyond this leading pair, other climbers will be looking to upset the order, including Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale's Felix Gall, Ben O'Connor (Jayco AlUla), Il Lombardia podium finisher Michael Storer (Tudor Pro), and Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), a pure featherweight climber who could thrive. However, Evenepoel's dominant form since joining his new German team makes him the man to beat on Jebel Mobrah, with Del Toro needing to be aggressive from the outset.

Stage 3 of the UAE Tour promises to be a thrilling and decisive spectacle. Jebel Mobrah will be the arena where strategies unfold and physical limits are tested. As the cycling world watches to see how this brutal battle will play out, one thing is certain: it will be anything but easy, and this new summit is set to deliver unforgettable moments in the race's history.

Ekhbary News Agency