On the right track

The Abu Dhabi Tour — and other events — are sure to inspire even more amateur cyclists

ABU DHABI - 28NOV2011 - Around 28 cyclist in a charity event by Gulf for Good go "cycle the seven emirates" on the occassion of 40th anniversary of UAE, started from Hilli Archeological park yesterday in Al Ain. Ravindranath K / The NationalShow less

Few sports have experienced such rapid growth in this country as cycling. Once a minority pursuit, now thousands of health-conscious enthusiasts have joined cycling groups. In the past few years, Dubai Autodrome, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit and Zayed Velodrome in Sharjah have become popular locations for training sessions. The country’s cycle path network is also expanding.

Professional cycling arrived earlier this year in the form of the Dubai Tour and the four-day event, which proved very popular, will return in February. Its organisers announced on Monday that a new event, the first Abu Dhabi Tour, will be introduced in October.

Before either of those, The National will stage its own cycling event: #cycletoworkuae. There will be no time trials or yellow jerseys awarded on January 13, but there will be the satisfaction of taking part in something special. Cycling, in all its forms, is here to stay. There has never been a better time to get on your bike.

Watch: The National's staff take the cycling initiative too far.