Sunday, Jul 24, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai While the eyes of the world are on Paris today for the triumphant final leg of the Tour de France, come December it will be Dubai’s streets that are packed with pedal-pushers.
Organisers announced yesterday that December 16 will see the staging of the second Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge.
Last year’s event saw hundreds of cyclists taking to the tarmac for the 92km race that took in some of Dubai’s iconic landmarks before finishing at the Dubai Autodrome.
Children also got in on the action, with a 10km family ride around the track at the Autodrome.
Double the entrants
With the sport growing at an astonishing rate in the UAE, organisers are expecting to double the number of entrants in this year’s race and are looking forward to staging what promises to grow into a leading international event.
“Last year’s inaugural Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge was a great success with close to 500 cyclists taking part,” said race director Stewart Howison.
“The concept of the event is based on the mass participation races such as the Cape Argus in South Africa which attracts over 30,000 riders each year — 2,600 of them international entrants and the remainder amateur cyclists.
“With the massive interest that was shown in our event last year, I have no doubt we will be able to reach those sorts of numbers in the not too distant future.
“In addition to the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge itself, we will have a number of build-up rides, which will give cyclists a chance to put in some great training and gauge their progress ahead of the event.
“These will take place on August 26, September 23, October 28 and November 25.”
Invaluable backing
Howison said the event owed a lot to the organisations which help in the lead up and on the day.
He said: “Our thanks must go to the Dubai Sports Council, the RTA and Dubai Police for their invaluable backing and assistance in putting this event together.
“And of course none of this would be possible without the incredible support from Spinneys, who have shown such great commitment to cycling in staging the weekly Cycle Safe rides at the Dubai Autodrome where cyclists have a safe environment to train each week, and also Dubai 92.”
Last year’s event saw Dubai 92’s popular breakfast show presenters Catboy and Geordiebird taking part.
Geordiebird completed the 92km course while Catboy opted for the kiddies’ event instead — just managing to finish the 10km ride.
This year will see Dubai 92’s Tom and Dan, as well as Cupcake joining the throng of cyclists on December 16.
The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is open to amateurs and professionals of all ages. For more information on the race, visit www.cyclechallenge.ae.
Staff Report
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
