UAE Team Emirates launch Youth Academy at Dubai Sports World

Sport360 staff 14:19 26/06/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • As part of its ongoing commitment to inspire the next generation of cyclists, UAE Team Emirates has partnered with Dubai-based sports activity provider Just Play, to launch the UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy.

    The three-week summer cycling programme – which targets boys and girls from 11-16 years-old and starts on Sunday, July 8 – coincides with the world’s most prestigious cycling race, the Tour de France.

    The coaching clinics will teach youngsters the basics of indoor cycling, using professional training bikes in a purpose built, air-conditioned studio.

    UAE and Asian Road Cycling Champion Yousif Mirza was joined by teammate Vegard Stake Laengen at Dubai Sports World as the pair met the first batch of UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy participants from Sunmarke International School in Dubai.

    The pair provided useful tips on technique, shared memories of cycling as youngsters, and talked about what it takes to make it to the top, before they hopped on their bikes to demonstrate just how much power is in the legs of the elite rider.

    Speaking at the launch, Mirza said: “It gives me so much pride to ride for UAE Team Emirates and fly the flag for my own country, because I know that our successes on the UCI World Tour will encourage more young people in the UAE to take up the sport.

    “Launching a Youth Academy program is a great way to help youngsters get into cycling and doing it indoors at Dubai Sports World means they can get fit and stay healthy even during our hot summer months.”

    The daily coaching clinics are themed around the 21 stages of the Tour de France and give youngsters the chance to experience some of the same conditions faced by riders competing on this year’s tour.

    The UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy will run as part of the official Dubai Sports World Summer Camp programme from July 8-29.

    For more information on how to book a place on the Youth Academy visit http://justplay.ae/summercamp/

    Recommended