Hudayriyat Cycling Challenge: New race to take place in Abu Dhabi this April

The cycling event will feature a 100 kilometre race, plus a shorter one for beginners

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has announced the Hudayriyat Cycling Challenge will take place on April 2. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Sport Council

Plans for a new cycling race in Abu Dhabi have been revealed. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council announced the Hudayriyat Cycling Challenge will take place on April 2 on Hudayriyat Island.

The event will offer two races, a shorter one at 30 kilometres and a longer 100km route for advanced riders.

The 100km challenge will start at 6.30am and participants will complete 10 laps around the 10km circuit. There is a prize of Dh300,000 that will be awarded and split across different age groups.

Those interested in a less competitive atmosphere can take on the 30km challenge, as part of which cyclists will complete three laps around the circuit, and starts at 5pm. While it will still be timed and positions given along with medals, there is no cash prize.

The event will take place under strict precautionary measures and is open to cyclists of all levels over the age of 12.

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What is Hudayriyat Island?

The island in Abu Dhabi is connected to a suspension bridge known among residents as the "bridge to nowhere". Plans to develop the island were first announced in 2009, but did not initially progress beyond the construction of the bridge.

The project was revived in 2017, with plans to turn the 3,000-hectare island into a mixed-use community with an emphasis on fitness and nature.

In May 2018, the public were able to cross the bridge for the first time to access an undisturbed 600-metre beach with running and cycling tracks, water sports, a bouncy castle and a children's playground.

Since then, the island has been popular among cyclists and runners, and has been chosen as the venue for triathlons and obstacle courses.

Scroll through our gallery below to see more photos from Hudayriyat Island.

A boy takes some photos of the many wildlife art works in the Marsana area of Hudayriyat Island. Victor Besa / The National

The new leisure and entertainment will be open to the public on November 10. Victor Besa / The National

The public beach area at Hudayriyat Island. Victor Besa / The National

The Marsana area will includes different restaurants and cafe's for visitors. Victor Besa / The National

The Circuit X Ropes area of Hudayriyat Island. Victor Besa / The National

The Bab Al Nojoum area of Hudayriyat Island. Victor Besa / The National

Tents for rent at the Bab Al Nojoum area of Hudayriyat Island. Victor Besa / The National

The Bike Park area of Hudayriyat Island. Victor Besa / The National

The Hudayriyat Courts area. Victor Besa / The National

The Circuit X Ropes area includes sports activities for visitors. Victor Besa / The National

The Circuit X Ropes area. Victor Besa / The National

The Circuit X skate and BMX park at Hudayriyat Island. Victor Besa/The National

The Circuit X BMX park at Hudayriyat Island. Victor Besa / The National

The 321 Sports area at Hudayriyat Island. Victor Besa / The National

The Circuit X Ropes area. Victor Besa / The National

The Circuit X BMX park. Victor Besa / The National

The new Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District opens to the public on November 10. Victor Besa / The National

Many different activity areas and mini parks for all ages can be found around the Marsana area. Victor Besa / The National

The Marsana area includes a ping-pong table and a fitness park. Victor Besa / The National

The new Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District opens on November 10. Victor Besa / The National

The Circuit X skate and BMX park at Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National