Ferrand-Prévot is set for the race. After a period of training and getting to know her new teammates, she is eager to make her debut on behalf of Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women. "I feel good. I had a good winter and gained a lot of new insights. The past few months were mainly about adapting. From now on, the transformation to riding races starts. I am very much looking forward to that."

The 12 years younger Bunel also cannot wait to pin on her jersey number. "I'm really excited. It's my first race for the team and the first race I'm riding together with Pauline. I still can't believe I'm in a team with her. She has been a role model for me from a young age and now I have the privilege of learning from her every day. I couldn't have imagined that even in my dreams."

The third edition of the UAE Tour features three flat stages and a stage with a finish on Jebel Hafeet. On this climb, Ferrand-Prévot will be given protected status. "I think this climb should suit me well. The tricky thing is that I have no idea what to expect and how my level is compared to the other riders. I'm very curious about that. Although the UAE Tour is not a main goal for me, it would be nice to start the season on a positive note."

For Bunel, the UAE Tour is mainly about gaining rhythm. The number five of the previous edition broke her collarbone last November and had to recover from that. "I don't have the same shape as last year. Because of my fracture, I was unable to train for a month and had a different preparation than the other riders. My goal here is to learn and gain experience for the future. I certainly won't be disappointed if I don't finish in the top five."

Looking back on their first months at Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Bunel and Ferrand-Prévot are purely enthusiastic. "I'm having a great time. Things are professional and I get on well with everyone. In addition, I can be myself and that is very important to me." Ferrand-Prévot says she's giving the younger riders advice. "I talk to them a lot and give them advice on how to deal with stress and pressure. I enjoy sharing my experiences with them."

Bunel is one of those young talents. The Tour de l'Avenir winner is enjoying her new area. "The ladies immediately took good care of me and helped me with everything. I really appreciate that. I can be completely myself here, so I couldn't wish for a better place."

Besides Ferrand-Prévot and Bunel, Martina Fidanza will also make her debut on behalf of Team Visma | Lease a Bike in the UAE Tour this week. Carlijn Achtereekte, Nienke Veenhoven and Sophie von Berswordt complete the squad.