Super Sports’ Silverback Criterium GP Series begins with its first of four races open to riders of all abilities and ages to experience a different style of cycling.
Commencing next Friday, December 5 from Hamdan Sports Complex, the series will be held over a short circuit of around 1,500 metres.
Unlike Grand Tours, one-day events or time trials, criterium racing is traditionally raced in town and village centres with tight corners. It’s held over a fixed period of time of 50 minutes, followed by three extra laps.
Following the 50 laps, the riders who remain – lapped riders will be pulled – will compete over the last three laps to determine the winners on a ‘first over the line’ basis.
Criterium requires good bike handling skills and the ability to continuously change pace, making the series both challenging and inviting.
“There’s plenty of long events, and it’s easy to do a time trial with the superb Al Qudra Cycle Path available in Dubai, and the Al Wathba Track in Abu Dhabi,” said Angus Russell, manager of Super Sports Events and series organiser.
“We needed something that could cater to all, but focused on a different perspective of cycling. Something that would challenge a different skill set for cyclists, but also provide a spectator event for ‘cycling widows’ and ‘cycling orphans’, something that gave them a chance to see the cyclist in the family in action.”
Each day of the series will feature four categories: Experts, Novices and Ladies are for ages 17 and above and have 50 minutes plus three laps, while Juniors is for ages 14-16 and has 25 minutes with two additional laps.
Points will be awarded for the top 20 finishers in each race and will accumulate over the series.
To make it more interesting, each 10th lap will have a sprint prize, or a prime, for the first 10 people across the line. The sprint points will accumulate throughout the race and the series.
The second race of the series will take place in January, the third in February and the final in March.
Registration for the first race closes on Monday, December 1 at midnight or sooner if places sell out.
On the day of the race, the action begins at 07:00. Get on your bike, pedal hard and fast and measure your cycling skills with riders across the UAE in the Silverback Criterium GP Series’ opening race.
What: Silverback Criterium GP Series
Where: Hamdan Sports Complex, Dubai
When: Race day is Friday, December 5 with registration closing at midnight on Monday, December 1
Contact: Visit either www.premieronline.com or www.supersportsevents.me to register.
