Merlier cries, Pogacar laughs: is Abu Dhabi building a Worlds course tailor-made for Slovenian star in 2028?

With recent World Championships in Zurich and Rwanda favouring climbers, that trend seems set to continue with Montréal in 2026 and the French Alps in 2027. In 2028, Abu Dhabi initially looked like a chance for the sprinters — but is that really the case? According to Tim Merlier, absolutely not.

The last truly sprint-friendly World Championships will already be ten years ago next season. Back in 2016, Qatar delivered a flat finale where Peter Sagan outsprinted Mark Cavendish and Tom Boonen. Since then, the rainbow jersey has always been taken by a small group or a solo move — and although 2028 initially looked like a reset, the reality appears different.

The United Arab Emirates, known for flat terrain, will host the 2028 Worlds. But Merlier believes his chances are extremely slim. According to the Belgian, organisers are building an artificial mountain that will decide the race. “They’re working on it,” he told former cyclist Jan Bakelants in Het Laatste Nieuws. “Next to the circuit.”

The flat United Arab Emirates will host the 2028 World Cup. But Merlier considers his chances very slim for the world title. Because, according to the Belgian sprinter, they are working on an artificial mountain where the battle for victory will take place. 'They are working on it,' he told Jan Bakelants in Het Laatste Nieuws. 'Next to that circuit.'

Next to the Yas Marina Circuit, a climb is being constructed — the same hill the peloton sees growing every year in the UAE Tour. “By then I’ll be nearly 36,” the former European champion added. “And for sure a younger generation of sprinters will have risen by then.”

Spanish outlet Marca investigated the rumours — and confirmed them. According to their reporting, not one but several artificial hills are being built on Hudayriyat Island, although the Al Wathba climb is the most significant. Construction began in 2023, featuring a 1.4-kilometre ascent.

Marca dove on Merlier's story, and managed to provide further information. According to the Spanish medium, a sizeable hill is indeed being laid. In fact, there are several: several obstacles are being laid on Hudayriyat Island, but the hill of Al Wathba is the most prominent. The construction of that hill began in 2023, and it featured a 1.4-kilometer climb.

At around 6%, it wasn’t exactly a leg-breaker — but the Emiratis have added plenty more elevation since then. The updated climb will now be upgraded to two kilometres, with a brutally steep final section. The last 500 metres average 11%, enough to create real gaps — and certainly enough to drop the fastest sprinters. A finish on Jebel Hafeet, however, will not be used.

But Marca goes further: another climb is reportedly being constructed, even longer and more demanding. Nearly four kilometres of climbing, with an average gradient of 6.5% and a final kilometre at 11%. Throw in the heat, potential crosswinds and wide-open desert roads, and the picture becomes clear: Abu Dhabi 2028 won’t be a simple Worlds — it will be a selective race where the lighter climbers can show their strengths.

A nightmare scenario for the pure sprinters. Riders like Jonathan Milan, Merlier, Paul Magnier and even Arnaud De Lie would struggle badly if someone like Tadej Pogacar puts in an acceleration. “Every generation of sprinters should at least get one fair shot at the world title,” Merlier said. “There’s nothing wrong with a rainbow battle designed for the fast men, right?”