UAE Team Emirates have stacked up for the 2023 season and into the Tour Down Under that depth will immediately be put to use. Four riders are possible GC contenders and they may be led by the new Australian time-trial national champion Jay Vine.
The UAE team had headed into Australia with goal of GC success. Any other ambition can't be taken as 2022's breakthrough climber Jay Vine leads the pack and carries good form after a surprising win at the time-trial nationals. Although missing the Old Willunga Hill, the route will feature several hilly stages and the famous Corkscrew climb where important differences are expected to be made.
George Bennett will suit a supporting role for Vine however he himself can contest for the top places. The race will suit teams with many options as it features hilly stages where it will be hard to control.
The presence of Marc Hirschi and Alessandro Covi as pure puncheurs will hence be very beneficial, giving the team plenty room to carry out different tactics. The race will mark the return of Finn Fisher-Black to competition, whilst new signings Michael Vink and Sjoerd Bax will also debut with team colours.
UAE Team Emirates for Tour Down Under: Jay Vine, George Bennett, Alessandro Covi, Finn Fisher-Black, Marc Hirschi, Sjoerd Bax and Michael Vink
The 2023 road racing season begins in Australia, here’s our lineup for the @tourdownunder 🇦🇺: 🇳🇱 @sjoerdbax 🇳🇿 @georgenbennett 🇮🇹 @AlessandroCovi 🇳🇿 @finnfisherblack 🇨🇭 @MarcHirschi 🇦🇺 @JayVine3 🇳🇿 @Michael_Vink #UAETeamEmirates #WeAreUAE #TourDownUnder
