The race will unfold over the next week, crossing all seven of the United Arab Emirates, from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and be broadcast to a television audience across the world.

Israeli rider Omer Goldstein will be in the Israel Start-Up Nation team, alongside the team's biggest stars, to help secure a stage win for the team. “Competing in the UAE in the team uniform is an inspiring moment. Until recently, it would have seemed like an unrealistic dream," said 23-year-old Goldstein

He continued: "In all honesty, I am still finding it hard to digest, but once I am on the start line, I will be fully focused on just one thing – helping the team win.”

“For me, this is the victory of sports, and being here is proof of that." 

Goldstein has was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception the team has received right from the start. When the team arrived at training the vastly impressive Al Qudra Cycling Park, they stumbled into surprised local cyclists.

After the initial shock to see the Israel Start-up Nation logo, some of them waived with friendly smiles and even asked for selfies. "It was amazing," said Goldstein. "I wish we had a cycling park like that. We need to learn from the Emirates.”

Two former world speed record-holders Matthias Brändle from Austria and British rider Alex Dowsett. Rick Zabel, (Germany), Danny Navarro (Spain), and Rudy Barbier (France) will complete the Israel Start-Up Nation line-up.

Sylvan Adams, co-owner of the Israel Start-Up Nation team, will attend the race, to witness one of the most significant moments in the team's history.

He said: "Team Israel Start-up Nation is excited to be competing in the UAE Tour for the first time in 2020. The participation in this race by our Israeli team in a Middle Eastern nation is emblematic of how cycling can be a force for diplomatic openness and progress.

"It is not an exaggeration to suggest that sport can be a force for peace, and this is one of the missions of Team ISN.

“It is not an exaggeration to suggest that sport can be a force for peace, and this is one of the missions of Team ISN.