The annual Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge returns this Friday, and although it’s too late to register, you can be part of the experience by cheering on the 1,600 cyclists as well as enjoy the free activities lined up at Nad Al Sheba.
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Now in its fifth year, the event has gone from strength to strength and is considered to be one of the biggest cycling events in the UAE.
The cyclists will be riding past some of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, and to ensure people can show their support for the cyclists, the organisers have set up various viewing points across the 92km route with Nad Al Sheba Road and Meydan Royal Bridge among the places.
And at the finish line at Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park in Dubai, a special ‘Bikes Village’ will be set up with food outlets, kids entertainment as well as top bike shops displaying their accessories for cyclists to buy. And there could be an opportunity to walk away with fantastic prizes.
“There’s going to be loads of activities for people to enjoy at Nad Al Sheba,” said Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge director, Stewart Howison.
“Fitness First will be there and they will be showing people demonstrations and tips of how to get fit. For the kids, there’s going to be loads of activities including a bouncy castle for them to enjoy. So all in all, it will be a great day out for the family.”
The village will be open from 12:00 to 19:00 today with the junior race beginning at 16:00. And it will reopen from 05:00 until 13:00 on Friday with the last riders coming through at around 11:00.
This year’s edition promises to be the biggest ever. Besides the main race, juniors aged between seven and 10 will compete in a 16km race, while 11 to 16-year-olds will race over 32km today. And children aged under-six can still be part of the event by taking part in the Mini Rides on Friday.
“For parents who are going to Nad Al Sheba or one of the viewing points with their children to see the cyclists can only be an encouraging thing,” said Howison. “It can send the message to people that there is another sport out there.
"They might not be good at ball sports like cricket, football or tennis but they might find themselves really good at cycling. It’s always good to show the youth that there are plenty of different sports out there that they can get involved in.
"And the youth is where the next year’s champions are so it’s always encouraging to spread the message.” And Howison is hoping for a big turn-out on Friday, where your presence can mean a lot.
He added: “The little bit of extra support of cheering somebody on gives the cyclists that added motivation and willpower to help them complete the 92km. It’s really important to have as many people out cheering them on and showing their support.”
What: Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge (adult and junior races)
When: Today, December 11 (junior races) from 16:00. Friday December 12 from 06:00.
Where: Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park, Dubai (start and finish).
Contact: Visit www.cyclechallenge.ae
