emirates7 - The Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo 2024, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, is set to commence on Saturday at 6 a.m., covering a 150-kilometre route. The race will begin at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, and conclude at the Al Ain Cycling Track in Al Ain.
Offering a prize pool of AED 2 million, the event is one of the UAE's most prestigious sporting competitions. It underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to hosting world-class cycling events and promoting cycling as a sport that contributes to improved overall health for its enthusiasts.
The race village, located at the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club on Al Hudayriat Island, opened on Tuesday to welcome participants, distributing race kits and supplies.
The organising committee has published a detailed brochure outlining essential race information, including rules, starting points, and water station locations along the course. A meeting between organisers, judges, and teams is scheduled for Friday to address logistical and technical details.
The committee has also introduced a special category for UAE nationals, alongside the standard classifications based on age groups, speed levels, individual competitors, and team participants. The various starting procedures will begin at 6 a.m., tailored to these categories.
Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted the race's significance in advancing Abu Dhabi's vision to become a global cycling hub. "The Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo is a competitive event that unites amateur and professional riders, driving the emirate's ambitions to be a world leader in cycling," he said.
Fabrizio D'Amico, COO of RCS Sports & Events and Race Director, expressed pride in the event's growing international appeal, noting the participation of more teams and riders from around the globe. He also emphasised the success of the Nationals category, which is expected to draw even greater interest compared to 2023, reflecting the event's continued expansion and popularity.
This race is part of the Bike Abu Dhabi platform, which hosts cycling events throughout the year, aligning with the emirate's long-term goals of becoming a premier global destination for the sport.
Offering a prize pool of AED 2 million, the event is one of the UAE's most prestigious sporting competitions. It underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to hosting world-class cycling events and promoting cycling as a sport that contributes to improved overall health for its enthusiasts.
The race village, located at the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club on Al Hudayriat Island, opened on Tuesday to welcome participants, distributing race kits and supplies.
The organising committee has published a detailed brochure outlining essential race information, including rules, starting points, and water station locations along the course. A meeting between organisers, judges, and teams is scheduled for Friday to address logistical and technical details.
The committee has also introduced a special category for UAE nationals, alongside the standard classifications based on age groups, speed levels, individual competitors, and team participants. The various starting procedures will begin at 6 a.m., tailored to these categories.
Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted the race's significance in advancing Abu Dhabi's vision to become a global cycling hub. "The Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo is a competitive event that unites amateur and professional riders, driving the emirate's ambitions to be a world leader in cycling," he said.
Fabrizio D'Amico, COO of RCS Sports & Events and Race Director, expressed pride in the event's growing international appeal, noting the participation of more teams and riders from around the globe. He also emphasised the success of the Nationals category, which is expected to draw even greater interest compared to 2023, reflecting the event's continued expansion and popularity.
This race is part of the Bike Abu Dhabi platform, which hosts cycling events throughout the year, aligning with the emirate's long-term goals of becoming a premier global destination for the sport.