The UAE Team Emirates for the Giro di Sicilia stage race

Team UAE Emirates will fly many flags when it races the Giro di Sicilia stage race from April 3 to 6. Among the seven riders in the roster, six nations are represented, including one from the sponsor’s home.

Bruno Vicino (Ita) will direct the team with former Sicilian professional Paolo Tiralongo (Ita) lending support:
– Kristijan Durasek (Cro)
– Roberto Ferrari (Ita)
– Yousif Mirza (UAE)
– Sebastian Molano (Col)
– Ivo Oliveira (Por)
– Simone Petilli (Ita)
– Jan Polanc (Slo)

The race covers four stages on the famous island: Catania-Milazzo will suit sprinters, Capo d’Orlando-Palermo will favour an escape group, Caltanissetta-Ragusa and the final Giardini Naxos-Etna stages will be geared to attackers and climbers.

Among the roster, Jan Polanc stands out since he won the Mount Etna stage in the 2017 Giro d’Italia. “It’s always beautiful for me to return to Sicily and above all, to Etna,” he said. “I’d like to repeat that show that gave me the Giro stage win. I like that climb and my condition after Tirreno-Adriatico is still good. I’m not going to be under any sort of pressure, but I’ll ride with optimism and courage“.

Emirates rider Yousif Mirza added, “I maintained my race rhythm that I had at the UAE championships, so I’m going to be heading to Sicily with good form. The team is competitive, and I’ll try to give my best and I’m motivated to race in Italy“.

Of note, Sebastian Molano is returning after he recovered from a wrist fracture. He suffered it in a crash at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad early in March.