Rafaa Chtioui believes his Skydive Dubai outfit are gaining the respect of the world’s best thanks to the brave efforts of himself and his team-mates at the Abu Dhabi Tour.

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For two days now, Chtioui has launched gallant attacks at the end of each stage, giving Skydive Dubai and their sponsors some much-needed exposure.

While the Tunisian, a former silver medallist at the World Junior Championships, was caught up by the peloton on both his attempts, he has managed to create a buzz for the Emirati team and for himself.

“I was happy to try hard. I tried really hard, and I was almost successful. It went well and the team is in good shape, which is important,” Chtioui said.

“As for winning, it’s tough because the teams are big and there are top sprinters and top riders. Our level is less than them a bit – we’re a Continental team not a ProTeam.

“But I’m learning now about how we compare to these top guys. We are gaining their respect. It’s important for the team to give a good show here. It’s a really difficult sport. It’s tough to earn people’s respect.”

Chtioui’s team-mate, Soufiane Haddi of Morocco also put in a huge effort yesterday as he claimed one of the intermediate sprints and was third in the other one.

The 24-year-old now lies in second place in both the young rider and intermediate sprint classifications.

“It was tough for me to contend for the bunch sprint but I did well in the intermediate sprints. That was my goal,” he said. “I got some good points by winning one sprint and finishing third in the other.

“Tomorrow will be the deciding stage, all the jerseys and everything will be decided after stage three. We’ll try to do our best.”

Today’s Al Ain stage features a tough climb at the finish which could suit Skydive Dubai’s Francisco Mancebo, an experienced Spaniard who once claimed fourth place at the Tour de France.

The Emirati outfit will be riding for him, hoping to get a podium finish at the top of Jebel Hafeet.