Dubai: The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is now the only Middle East qualifying event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, it was recently announced.
The ‘cycling for all’ series is held at only 15 locations worldwide where cyclists can participate and qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. The latest announcement supports the vision of the Dubai Sports Council to promote the sport in the Emirate as well as support the need for increased recognition for cycling across the UAE and the Middle East.
The annual 92-km Cycle Challenge is taking place on December 16 at the Dubai Autodrome and organisers are expecting over 2,500 cyclists to take part, which would be a record number of competitors since it launched seven years ago.
The event is divided into different age groups with the top 25 per cent of finishers in each age group qualifying for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
A spokesperson for the Cycle Challenge said: “Dubai’s cycling calendar is expanding rapidly, and the partnership with the UCI World Cycling Tour event is an important step in the development of cycling in Dubai. We have a lot of keen amateur and masters cyclists here, and now they have an opportunity to represent the UAE and their home country on the world stage. This event will further promote the growth of cycling in the region, give local cyclists the opportunity to compete in an international UCI event, and attract international amateur cyclists to Dubai.”
Cyclists that have already entered for the Cycle Challenge can upgrade for the UCI World Cycling category and others can register in this category for Dh365.
Training for the event continues with the third 65-km build-up ride on October 28 taking place at Al Qudra. Registration for this event closes on Friday followed by the fourth 85-km build-up ride on November 25 at the same location.
To register or find out more visit www.cyclechallenge.ae.
