'Mixture of nerves and excitement': Dan Martin kicks off season at Volta ao Algarve
Irishman Dan Martin makes his debut in UAE Team Emirates colours at the Portuguese stage race starting on February 14


Dan Martin says that he is looking forward to his 2018 season debut for new squad UAE Team Emirates at the Volta ao Algarve with a 'mixture of nerves and excitement'.
The 31-year-old Irishman made the switch from Quick-Step Floors to UAE Team Emirates in the winter, and will make his racing debut in his new colours in the Portuguese race from Wednesday, February 14.
“Going in to Volta ao Algarve I have a mixture of nerves and excitement. There is always anxiety to get back to racing and find out where the fitness levels are, but I feel good and have trained well in the winter months, but racing is of course always different," said Martin in a team statement.
"It’s exciting to finally pin a number on the UAE Team Emirates jersey and start racing with a great group of guys."
>>> Geraint Thomas and Michal Kwiatkowski line up for Team Sky at Volta ao Algarve
Martin will join British sprinter Ben Swift in UAE's line-up in the Algarve, along with Italians Valerio Conti and Edward Ravasi, Norwegian Vegard Stake Laengen, Slovenian Jan Polanc and Australian Rory Sutherland.
Although it's the first time that the group has raced together, Martin says they have already gelled at team gatherings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBKf6itmYnU
"Of course it will take time to learn how to race well together but we already did two nice training camps with lots of laughs and getting to know each other.
"We have a very strong team coming to Algarve so I can’t wait to get started."
Martin put in a career-best performance at the 2017 Tour de France, where he finished sixth overall despite fracturing two of his vertebrae in a crash with Richie Porte (BMC) on stage nine. He will lead UAE's team in the 2018 Grand Tours alongside fellow new signing Fabio Aru, and seek other opportunities throughout the season.
"UAE Team Emirates share my vision, my attention to detail and my passion for the sport, and as I enter into the most important years of my career, they offer me the best platform possible to reach my potential and fulfill my sporting goals,” Martin said last year after it was announced he would sign with UAE.
The 2018 Volta ao Algarve takes place over five stages from February 14-18, and will be decided by the final day’s individual time trial, comprising 14.2 flat kilometres.
Martin will face stiff competition from the likes of former winners Geraint Thomas and Michal Kwiatkowski (both Team Sky), Richie Porte (BMC) and Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin).
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
-
Best bicycle insurance, including what you need to know and how to compare
Wondering how to protect your pride and joy? Our helpful guide tells you all you need to know about bicycle insurance
By Hannah Bussey • Published
-
Five talking points from stage eleven of the Giro d’Italia 2022
The Cycling Weekly highlights package from the stage which finally saw an Italian win at the home race this year
By Luke Friend • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar returns to training after contracting covid
UAE Team Emirates say that Slovenian is still on track to make season debut at UAE Tour
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Matteo Trentin: Roads are 'more of a jungle than a proper training environment'
Italian says that more needs to be done for cycling safety to protect the future of the sport
By Adam Becket • Published
-
What did we learn from the first elite road races of the year?
Alejandro Valverde is still good; Lotto-Soudal are hungry for results; Biniam Girmay might be a force to be reckoned with
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Brandon McNulty wins Trofeo Calvia, the first elite men's race of 2022
UAE-Emirates American rider wins the first part of the Challenge Mallorca with 60km solo attack
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Which WorldTour team has the best kit for 2022? We take a look through the wardrobe
Now almost all the kits are out, here are our measured ratings of racing kit ahead of the 2022 season
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Matteo Trentin says he would not be surprised to see Pogačar in the final of the Tour of Flanders
Italian puncheur will once again target the classics in 2022
By Adam Becket • Published
-
João Almeida hoping for third time lucky at Giro d'Italia as he aims for fewer mistakes
UAE-Team Emirates' new Portugese GC hope talks switching up training, working with Tadej Pogačar and how he can improve
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar to ride Tour de France and Vuelta a España in 2022
Slovenian also says he is "really excited" to race Tour of Flanders for the first time
By Adam Becket • Published