In yet another first, Dubai will play host to the “L’Etape Dubai” cycling race, presented by the Tour de France, on February 2, 2025.

 

Organised by Belton and Be Cool Events in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council with sponsorship from title sponsor Škoda Cars, the “L’etape Race” is among the most famous races dedicated to amateurs.

 

An event of this stature puts participants in an atmosphere of legacy and history of the Tour de France, the oldest cycling race in the world.

 

The inaugural edition was announced during a press conference held at the headquarters of the Dubai Sports Council, in which details of the event were revealed.

 

This race is bound to be an important addition to the host of cycling events in the UAE.

 

The announcement was held in the presence of Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, and Maher Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre.

 

The Secretary General of the Council received a specimen of the official jersey of the Tour de France, as well as the jersey of the Hungarian team, which was presented by representatives of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce who attended the conference and confirmed the participation of more than 50 cyclists in next year’s race. 

 

During the course of the press conference, the official jersey of the ‘L’etape Dubai’ race, featuring the most important landmarks of Dubai, was unveiled. 

 

“L’Etape Dubai” will consist of four race components held over two days. The first day on February 1 will see a Kids Race at 9 am over a distance of 300 metres and 3 kms depending on their abilities. This will be followed by a Family Ride that will be held over 20 km with a 9.30 am start.

 

On February 2 will be the actual race consisting of the “L’Etape Dubai” over a distance of 110 km and “The Ride” over 60 km. Both races will be flagged off at 6 am.

 

The official press conference was addressed by Ali Omar Al Balooshi, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council; Lukas Honzak, Managing Director of Škoda Middle East; Antoine Quiers from Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the organiser of the Tour de France; Fayrouz Al Qadi, General Manager of Peloton; and Josef Pokalovic, General Manager of Be Cool SRA, the organiser of the L’Etape race.

 

Dubai is now among the latest venues that has joined the list of global cities hosting this event, which was launched in France in 1993. The L’Etape race was held for the first time outside France in 2015, gradually moving to a number of new cities on different continents to reach the Middle East region through the Dubai race.

 

This unique race is bound to bring together thousands of cycling enthusiasts from across the UAE and around the world and Ali Omar was excited about this aspect of the new event.

 

It may be recalled that the Government of Dubai recently announced the addition of new cycling tracks in the Hatta area, extending over a distance of more than 53 km, in addition to the several other existing riding facilities all over the emirate, including the Al Marmoom Reserve, beaches, parks and various destinations of Dubai.

 

“The racetracks will be carefully selected to allow thousands of participants to enjoy the experience of cycling in the most beautiful areas and destinations across Dubai. These will include various unique cultural, tourist and residential landmarks, so that mere participation in the race will be an experience engraved in the participants’ memories and in their records of achievements,” Al Balooshi said.

 

The race will pass around the most prominent tourist and famous cultural landmarks of Dubai. Details of the course of the race and other related aspects will be announced later this year.

 

A race village will be set up at the main venue of the start and finish line with the programme consisting of fun activities and entertainment for the entire family.

 

Registration for participation in the various race will continue in three different stages. Riders have till September 30 to confirm for The Ride (60 km) and till December 31 for The Race (110 km). – TradeArabia News Service