Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
As the cycling community gears up for the 13th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, organizers have announced the official 2023 race route for the Dubai Gran Fondo UCI World Series Qualifier slated to be held on Sunday.
Taking in stunning Dubai views and iconic locations along the 95.4km route, riders participating in the main event are in for a surprise as for the first time, the track will be surpassing Expo City Dubai in an anti-clockwise direction.
Cyclists can look forward to passing by Dubai’s popular landmarks such as the bustling Jumeirah Lake Towers, the breezy Jumeirah Golf Estates, Expo City Dubai, and Global Village as they take off from the start line at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai Sports City.
On the official reveal of this year’s race route and the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council said: “We are very proud with the 13th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. The event continues to grow year on year by becoming a central event for the cycling community in Dubai and the UAE. The race routes look fantastic, and we cannot wait for our riders to pass through some of Dubai’s iconic spots. We are very happy to see a diverse crowd of participants from all backgrounds and ages take part in the Build-Up Rides and Main Event, which is a true testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and promoting healthy lifestyles. We wish good luck to every rider participating this year and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for the Dubai Sports Council and the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge.”
The elite category cyclists will be competing for a total prize purse of Dhs36,000 generously provided by the Spinney’s Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, along with the winning male and female rider receiving Dhs10,000, second place with Dhs5,000, and third place with Dhs3,000.
Cyclists of all skill levels will be able to test their endurance and push their limits as they tackle the picturesque routes that offer stunning views of Dubai and the surrounding desert landscape. The 13th edition will also see the return of the popular Outride with Total Energies as the presenting partner. The shorter 38km course, designed to encourage new members of the community and families, will join the main event field starting from Dubai International Stadium to take on the relaxed Expo City Dubai route before crossing the finish line.
This year will also see Gems Education as the presenting partner for the 2023 Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Junior Rides.
For the young cyclists, the GEMS Education Junior Rides will take place on Saturday, 18th February 2023, just one day before the Dubai Gran Fondo and 38KM Outride races on Sunday, 19th February 2023.
Online registrations for this year’s Gems Education Junior Rides are open, but parents can also conveniently purchase entry packs at five select Spinneys stores in Dubai, located at Umm Suqeim, Motor City, Meydan HQ, Al Furjan, and Silicon Oasis.
On the reveal of the new partnership, Zafar Raja, Chief Operating Officer at GEMS Education said: “We are thrilled to be the Presenting Partner for this year’s Junior Rides. At GEMS Education, physical health is very important, and we truly believe in developing the confidence and physical skills of our young minds. Physical activities such as the Junior Rides play a crucial role in the healthy development of children and are a fantastic initiative by the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge team. Just like our schools, the Junior Rides have a positive impact on our younger generation, and we cannot wait to watch the Junior Rides unfold. We hope the kids have a fantastic time.”
Held in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, Spinneys, and Dubai 92, The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, also a qualifier event for the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, is one of the Middle East’s premium sporting races, regularly attracting thousands of riders from all over the world.