There’s still time to dust off your bike and take to the road for Tuesday’s Abu Dhabi Tour Challenge – just one of many activities you can look forward to as cycling fever hits the capital.
The Abu Dhabi Tour, the only Middle Eastern race in the UCI World Tour calendar, gets under way from Thursday with Vicenzo Nibali, Alberto Contador, Dubai Tour winner Marcel Kittel and ambassador Mark Cavendish among the big names to feature in the four-stage competition.
But before they begin their battle to reign supreme, organisers have lined up the Abu Dhabi Tour Challenge, allowing amateurs in the UAE to compete in a competitive environment.
To be held at Yas Marina Circuit from 21:00, registration can be made at the venue. Riders will face the challenge of a precise time limit to complete the first lap of 5.5km, and that time will be reduced for each new lap.
For those who can’t complete the lap within the time limit will be eliminated. If you miss the challenge, then you can still visit the Fan Zone located at the Nation Towers at the Corniche, which will certainly keep you busy.
From 12:00 to 20:00, Tuesday and Wednesday, with the closing time extended to 22:00 from Thursday to Sunday, guests can look forward to a wide array of entertainment.
Among those are various cycling activities as well as watching every step of the four-stage race live on the large screens. There will also be a chance to get a picture with your favourite rider before the start of each of the four stages at the podium signature.
Now in its third edition, the race has gone from strength to strength and Aref Al Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council says the event will continue to grow.
“Through unwavering support and vision, cycling is reaching its peak of power here in Abu Dhabi, with new facilities taking shape and an ever-growing following,” he said.
“We are integrating sport into society and creating healthier communities. We will continue to work with the Abu Dhabi Education Council to ensure our grassroots targets are being delivered.
It is very rewarding to see just howmany bikes are on the roads downtown and how many riders there are at the Yas Marina Circuit evenings. I promise we will continue to push this junior agenda and promote a community of healthy, active people.”
