Already 600 entries have been received for Friday’s build-up ride for the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge – but there’s still a chance to sign up on the day if you are considering taking on the UAE’s biggest mass participation cycling event.
Friday’s ride, taking place from 06:00 at Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park in Dubai, is the second of four aimed to build-up stamina ahead of the full 92km showpiece on December 12. The first ride attracted over 400 cyclists who took on the 35km route, while this time the distance is pushed up to 45km.
“It’s an opportunity for people to get involved in cycling and to get them on the path to the 92km distance,” said Stewart Howison, the ride director. “Each ride distance increases and it’s so that people have a motivation and a chance to see how they are progressing.
“The ride is timed so you have an idea of what your registered time is. It can give you an idea of how your training is going and how you’re progressing for the main ride in December.”
The minimum age to enter is 16-years-old – unless you are accompanied by a parent – and the event has the full support of the UAE Cycling Federation and Dubai Sports Council. And if you missed the first ride, don’t worry as there is nothing to stop you joining the party late on Friday.
Howison added: “For sure, people can ride if they didn’t compete last month.
“Friday’s ride will build up the stamina and they will have to change their mentality and pace themselves a little bit better with it being a longer distance.
“The whole reason why we started off with these build-up rides is so that we can attract more people to the sport.
“Starting off with a 92km distance seems like a daunting task for anyone who hasn’t cycled before.
“When you break it down in a four-month period, it seems a lot easier. It makes it more accessible for people of different fitness levels and abilities. And it doesn’t matter where they finish because there will be no prizes on the day.”
The cyclists will be riding at the Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park with a fantastic view of the skyline of Downtown Dubai.
“The Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park is a great place to ride,” continued Howison. “It’s very safe, there is no traffic or cars and it’s completely off the road; so it’s an ideal venue for the event.”
Since being launched in 2010, the Cycle Challenge has gone from strength to strength with numbers steadily growing and it becoming a firm fixture on Dubai’s sporting calendar.
“The response has been nothing but positive,” said Howison. “For anybody who is getting into the sport, it’s a great place to start, as it’s a good form of exercise. It’s a great community event and we welcome and encourage new riders.”
And with no maximum capacity at the Cycle Park, Howison is calling for more people to get on their bikes and join in for what will be a fun and entertaining day.
“The message we want to send out is that the Spinneys 92 Cycle is an achievable goal. It’s not something that is unattainable. “If you set your mind on it and set out a training programme, you can achieve the goal.
“And this is the best place to practise for the ride. The sport is here to stay and is going from strength to strength – people who do come on Friday will be amazed to see popular the event is.
“We really appreciate the enthusiasm of Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Cycling Federation, and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors and supporters.”
Entry fee on Friday is Dh100 per person with a bicycle and helmet the only two compulsory items you need to bring.
WHAT: Spinneys build-up ride (2 of 4)
WHEN: Friday, October 3, 06:00, at Nad Al Sheba cycle Park, Dubai
COST: Dh100 per person to sign up. registration opens at 05:00
AGES: 16-years-old and over, although ages below can register if parents are taking part.
Sport360 VERDICT: The Spinneys Dubai 92 cycle challenge is a superb event and these warm-up rides are a fantastic way to build yourself up to conquering the main ride.
CONTACT: www.cyclechallenge.ae
