Will the 2028 World Championship route be suitable for fast wheels or more favorable to climbers? It might seem strange, but despite the fact that the world championship in Abu Dhabi is still more than two seasons away, this question has been making waves for a few days. Tim Merlier was the first to raise the issue.

The Belgian, during an interview with Domestiquecycling, said: "I don't think I'll ever have the chance to win a world championship" and, referring specifically to the artificial mountain in Al Wathba, he stated: "They are working to make it higher, I see it growing year by year when we race the UAE Tour".

The thesis of the 2024 European champion is supported by data published by colleagues from the Spanish publication Marca which highlight that in 2023 the climb was 1400 meters with gradients between 6% and 9%, while in 2026 the climb will be 2000 meters with a gradient that will reach about 11%, making the last 500 meters much more difficult. According to the Iberian sports daily, this would be possible thanks to the movement of sand from ancient desert dunes, compacted with asphalt and other materials.

Marca doesn't stop there. In fact, citing internal emirate documents, it reports that there is a project to be implemented by 2028 that would bring the climb to approximately 3800 meters with a gradient that could reach up to 13% in the final stretch.

The detailed article also mentions the velodrome (project in the completion phase) and other works aimed at creating new athletes and other short climbs on Hudayriyat Island, which is already a paradise for sports and entertainment where various cycling-related events are already taking place.

In short, the 2028 world championship is still far away, but it seems clear that there will be much attention and curiosity to understand whether the route will favor sprinters like Merlier or will be more suitable for riders like Pogacar