Following the success of the UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy launched last year, UAE Team Emirates have announced their partnership with Abu Dhabi Cycling Club to establish a clear development pathway for children interested in cycling in the Emirates.
The Academy was created with the aim of introducing young people to cycling, providing children from the age of 8-11 with coaching, designed to build confidence and fitness as well as improve bike handling skills.
Launched exclusively for school children living in the UAE, over 1,000 children have already taken part in over 80 hours of cycling.
The 2020 programme will expand on the work already done, with Abu Dhabi Cycling Club providing graduates from the in schools programme with additional access to bikes, safety equipment and coaching two evenings a week at Yas Island and Al Hudariyat Cycle Track.
Speaking at the launch, Mauro Gianetti, CEO of UAE Team Emirates said: “One of our aims for the team off the track is to increase participation in cycling amongst children in the UAE. We are proud of the team’s origin and thrilled that the Youth Academy has already impacted so many youngster’s lives.
“The strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Cycling Club sets a clear development pathway from grassroots level to competitive level cycling which is the first of its kind in the region.
“We are fully aligned with the government’s health and wellness objectives and are striving to instill a sense of healthy living for our future generation and grow the sport of cycling for all.”
The goal of the course is to ensure that the children leave the UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy with a new-found passion for cycling and keeping active.
Throughout the programme Abu Dhabi Cycling Club will identify the most promising young riders at each school and invite the children to join additional coaching sessions in Abu Dhabi.
Mr Alnekhaira Al Khyeli, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, said: “Abu Dhabi Cycling Club was created to support the growth of cycling and is perfectly set up to help children develop their skills during evening and weekend rides. We proud to be involved in such an initiative and provide the logical next step in riders’ development.”
