Slated for five stages from February 4-8, the Middle East stage race is centred around the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh with a combination of city and desert landscapes providing the backdrop.

The start list for the inaugural edition of the Saudi Tour is coming together, with Mark Cavendish set to headline the race.

The announcement of a new race in Saudi Arabia proved controversial however, with a human rights group condemning the decision, saying “cycling is increasingly associated with repression.”

The race is expected to draw some star riders who want to test their early-season form with warm temperatures and flat terrain.

Cavendish will be making his season debut in his new Bahrain-McLaren colours, while his fellow Brit and former national champion Connor Swift will also be racing.

James Shaw will be racing with his new Riwal Readynez team while fans of domestic racing will be delighted to see Ribble-Weldtite going up against some of the best.