Team manager Mauro Gianetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he had participated in the phase three trials of the Sinopharm vaccine.

The vaccine has been developed by the China National Pharmaceutical Group but has yet to be authorised for use.

In September, the United Arab Emirates was the first country outside of China to approve emergency use of Sinopharm's vaccine.

Gianetti said he had taken part in the trial and he expects the vaccine to be available for UAE Team Emirates riders and staff in January.

"I was one of 30,000 volunteers in Abu Dhabi who tested the new Sinopharm vaccine," Gianetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It was in two doses and I didn't have any side-effects.

"It's currently in phase three testing, it's still not been authorised but there's not far to go and they expect to distribute a billion doses in 2021.

"In January we intend to vaccinate all the riders and staff.

"We're planning for the training camp and our goal is to vaccinate everyone during the training camp, we've planned everything with the medical staff.

"We'll be ready to start as soon as the vaccine is approved and certified.

"The vaccine won't be obligatory, it'll be a personal choice."

UAE Team Emirates are among the squads to have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic this year.

The team was quarantined in its hotel during the UAE Tour in February, which was curtailed as the coronavirus pandemic developed.

Sprinter Fernando Gaviria was among those to have tested positive for coronavirus, while team osteopath Dario Marini spent nine days in intensive care.

The International Cycling Union WorldTour season was postponed due to the impact of the pandemic.

UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogačar emerged as the winner of the delayed Tour de France when the season resumed.