As part of the 46th National Day celebrations, this weekend sees the inaugural Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Classic take place with the 175km race, starting at the ADNOC HQ building on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi and finishing in the stunning surroundings of Al Jahili Park, Al Ain on Sunday 3rd December.
The Race will see over 100 amateur and professional cyclists take part with professional cyclists in the peloton including former road world champion Mark Cavendish, UCI Pro Tour Lotto-Soudal rider Adam Hansen as well as 3 of UAE Team Emirates decorated cyclists: Roberto Ferrari, Manuele Mori and Emirati cycling star Yousif Mirza.
The ceremonial start will take place from the Corniche in front of the Adnoc Headquarters before officially starting the race on Sheikh Khalifa Bridge.
The first section of the race follows the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway, passing by Yas Island then onto the Al Reef and Al Falah areas. The peloton then join the E20 towards Sweihan and Nahel taking the E95 towards Al Ain finishing in the stunning surroundings of Al Jahili Park.
Commenting on the weekend’s race, His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club said: “We are very much looking forward to the inaugural Abu Dhabi Al Ain Classic. We hope that this can become one of the UAE’s great races in time and we are delighted to see the quality of both professional and amateur entries.
“The Classic and the Family Cycling Festival are great ways for Abu Dhabi Cycling Club to be a part of the UAE’s 46th National Day celebrations and we wish all cyclists in both events a successful and safe rides.”
UAE Team Emirates rider Yousif Mirza added: “It is an honour to be cycling in this new race in Abu Dhabi on National Day weekend. I am really looking forward to racing in the Classic against fellow pros as well as many amateur cyclists from the local community.”
Dr Ahmed Bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President of Platinum Partner Etisalat, said: “We are thrilled to partner on the inaugural cycling event, the Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Classic. It’s very exciting to be involved in this first of its kind cycling event in the UAE and we hope that this will help grow the sport locally and help promote healthy lifestyles.”
