Grand Tour winners to attend inaugural UCI Cycling Gala

Britain's Chris Froome is among those set to be honoured ©Getty Images

Grand Tour winners Chris Froome of Britain and Spain’s Alberto Contador will be among the attendees for the inaugural International Cycling Union (UCI) Cycling Gala, which is due to take place here tomorrow at the Yas Marina Island “du Arena” concert venue.

The Gala marks the end of the UCI professional road cycling season, with the event set to take place following the final day of action at the four-stage Abu Dhabi Tour, which will draw to a conclusion on the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Despite not competing in the race, currently led by Colombian Esteban Chaves, both Froome and Contador have flown in to attend and will be among those receiving awards on the night.

Contador will be honoured for claiming the overall victory at the Giro d’Italia in the first Grand Tour of the season, while Froome’s second triumph in three years at the Tour de France will be also be acknowledged, with the Gala seen as the ideal way to celebrate the cyclists achievements over the course of the season.

Having claimed his first Grand Tour by winning the Vuelta a España, Italy’s Fabio Aru is also set to receive an award, however he will be keen to cap an excellent season by claiming the overall victory at the Abu Dhabi Tour, as he lies just 16 seconds behind Chaves in the standings.

“From shoulder to shoulder sprints to the finish line to courageous solo break-away moves, the riders have kept us on the edge of our seats throughout the year," said Brian Cookson, UCI President.

“The UCI Cycling Gala is our way of thanking and rewarding them for their amazing performances.

New world champion Peter Sagan is among those competing in the Abu Dhabi Tour ©Getty Images

“I am thrilled that the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the United Arab Emirates Cycling Federation have undertaken to host this gala in conjunction with their new Abu Dhabi Tour.”

Slovakia’s newly crowned men’s road race world champion Peter Sagan is also set to attend the evening, although the women’s champion and World Cup winner Lizzie Armitstead of Britain will not be present for the Gala.

Men's hour record holder Sir Bradley Wiggins will also be absent but is expected to send a video message due to the distraction of training for next week's European Track Championships in Grenchen, Switzerland.

Several other awards, including the winner of the UCI WorldTour individual classification and the women’s hour record holders, are also due to be given out on the night.