Going Out: Pedal up for the Spinney’s Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge

Denzil Pinto 11:51 10/12/2015
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  • The annual Spinney’s Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is expected to feature more than 1,000 riders.

    The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge returns on Friday and while it’s too late to sign up, you can still show your support and enjoy the activities lined up.

    More than 1,000 riders will take to the streets from the Dubai Autodrome for the annual 92km course which has become a prominent event on the UAE sporting calendar.

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    With the participants riding past some of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, you can show your support in one of five spectator spots including the Al Qudra Cycle Park and Al Warood Street Bridge.

    And with the Dubai Autodrome also being the finishing point, a special ‘Cycles Village’ will be set up with many top bike companies showcasing their latest gear as well as food stalls and fun activities from 08:30 onwards.

    “Anyone who is into their cycling will  see there’s a lot of bike shops and exhibitors showing their products,” said Stewart Howison, Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge director.

    “All the big bike companies in the UAE will be there – The Bike Ride, Revolution Cycles as well as Adventure HQ and GO Sport. They will all have different products on sale which will certainly impress the visitors.”

    “There will also be an opportunity for children under six to enjoy the junior ride and cycle around the Dubai Autodrome. Plus there will be other fun activities for them to enjoy too.”

    He added: “The atmosphere will be very vibrant when the riders start coming through the finish line. It’s all about the achievement  of those cyclists who have put in so much over the last five or six months.”

    Demanding: The race is 92km long.

    Now in its sixth year, the event has gone from strength to strength and with the previous four build-up rides hugely popular, this weekend’s event looks set to be no different.

    “This year has been very positive in terms of numbers,” said Howison.

    “It’s gone really well and we are now six years old and the event has really grown with the backing of the UAE government and funds.

    “The profile of cycling has grown in the UAE with the addition of new cycle tracks and global tournaments like the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Tours. It’s really encouraging as in our very first event, we had more than 400 and now 1,000 will take to the streets is an unbelievable number.”

    Howison hopes people can come in their numbers and show their support at the spectator areas or at the Cycle Village.

    “You don’t have to be the fittest to be riding,” he said.

    “You can be young or old, we want to help promote the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, and hopefully by seeing the different age of cyclists on the day, they can be inspired to take up cycling and maybe be involved in next year’s event.”

    VENUE: Dubai Autodrome (start and finish for ride plus Cycle Village) and various spectator areas.
    WHAT: Spinney’s Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge
    WHEN: Friday. Ride begins from 06:00 and Cycle Village from 08:00
    Sport360 VERDICT: One not to be missed for family and friends.
    CONTACT: For information on spectator areas, visit www.cyclechallenge.ae

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