The UAE has become a magnet for cyclists, and it's easy to see why. Pleasant winter weather, a variety of terrains and state-of-the-art cycling tracks appeal to curious first-timers, dedicated professionals and everyone in between. As a result, the number of cycling events has increased significantly. The inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour for serious cyclists was held last October, while the BeWell Cycle Tour, which aims to reduce obesity rates and increase well-being, is set for launch in February. Next month also sees the prestigious Dubai Tour return for its third instalment, attracting elite sprint riders from around the world including Olympic champions and world-record holders, many preparing for this summer's Olympic Games in Brazil.
With several other events in the pipeline for cyclists of all abilities, including The National's second annual #cycletoworkUAE on January 12, we round up some of the UAE's best tours and races in the months ahead.
Al Wathba Cycle Series
Replicating Australia’s popular Pursuit Series, Al Wathba Cycling Series incorporates six events in which groups of riders start at timed intervals and chase down the group in front. Held on Monday evenings at Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba cycling track, a 40-minute drive outside the city, each race covers 48 kilometres and is ideal for beginners. At the end of the series, the participant with the most points wins a Dh6,000 Eddy Merckx EMX1 frameset. Races five and six from series one will be held on January 11 and 25, respectively, and races one, two and three from series two will be held on February 15, March 14 and April 18, respectively. Races are open to cyclists ages 12 to 70.
Entry: From Dh80. Call 050 109 4055 or email events@gulfmultisport.com.
Information: Visit www.premieronline.com
Dubai Tour
Introduced in 2014 as part of the UCI Asia Tour, the Dubai Tour is an annual road race for professional male cyclists. The 2016 edition will be held from February 3 to 6, and will comprise four stages: 179km from Dubai International Marine Club to Fujairah, 188km from DIMC to The Palm Jumeirah, 172km from DIMC to Hatta Dam and 132km from DIMC to Burj Khalifa, totalling 671km. The fastest cyclist across all four stages wins the Circle of Stars trophy. Head to Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah Beach Road and Downtown Dubai and look out for Germany’s John Degenkolb and the UK’s Mark Cavendish.
Information: Visit www.dubaitour.com
BeWell Cycle Tour
In a bid to tackle obesity, the first BeWell Cycle Tour UAE on February 12 will incorporate concurrent routes. The longest course runs from Abu Dhabi to Dubai (146km), while the shortest, at 61km, runs from Ajman to Dubai. There is also a 142km route from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai and a 20km route solely in Dubai. Catering to various fitness and skill levels, the initiative is open to men and women ages 16 and above. The organisers, Wyndham Hotel Group, have launched the BeWell Ambassadors Programme, which helps selected ambassadors improve their well-being through specialised training.
Entry: From Dh50.
Information: Visit www.bewell-tour.com
Abu Dhabi Tour
Launched in October, the Abu Dhabi Tour is part of the UCI Asia Tour, and is expected to return later this year. Featuring city-centre sprints and a medium mountain climb, it covers 555km in four stages attracting some of cycling’s biggest names. It is hoped that last year’s winner, Colombia’s Esteban Chaves, will defend his crown alongside other major international competitors, several of whom will be fresh from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. A fun and interactive experience for all, the event includes a fan zone in Yas Mall featuring a bike lab and, for children, a bicycle workshop. There will also be a promotional tour with more family activities and the opportunity to lift the Abu Dhabi Tour trophy.
Visit www.abudhabitour.com
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge
The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge has grown steadily since its launch in 2010, attracting cycling enthusiasts from all over. The sixth instalment last month had 1,850 participants, about 350 more than 2014. This year’s event, set for December 9, looks set to be bigger as the 92km ride is complemented by races for under 16s, a 53km corporate challenge and hundreds of supporters. The 2016 route is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to start at Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park. Open to cyclists of all abilities, the event incorporates four build-up rides, starting in September, to help participants achieve their fitness goals.
Entry: Call 04 321 0008 or email info@cyclechallenge.ae.
Information: Visit www.cyclechallenge.ae
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