High winds stop Dubai cycling tour stage

Friday's second last stage of the Tour of Dubai cycling event has been scrapped due to high winds.

Race organisers announced the fourth stage, the 109km route from Hatta to Hatta Dam, would not take place, having earlier adjusted the route.

"Based on the poor current weather conditions in Hatta, and the forecast for further deterioration later, the race management, in agreement with the commissaires panel, have applied the UCI's extreme weather protocol and have cancelled today's stage four of the Dubai Tour," organisers said in a statement.

Germany's Marcel Kittel (QuickStep) leads the standings entering Saturday's fifth and final stage.