Sheikh Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Office, attended the launch of the 10th Sharjah International Cycling Tour on Friday.
The first stage, titled “Excellence and Creativity,” started at Al Majaz Amphitheatre in Sharjah and concluded at the Hanging Gardens in Kalba City, covering a distance of 132.91 kilometres.
The launch ceremony began with the national anthem of the UAE, followed by performances from the Sharjah Marine Sports Club.
Afterward, the Chairman of the Ruler’s Office gave the starting signal, officially kicking off the race.
The total race distance is divided into five stages, which include a local tour for youth, a special race for the disabled, and a professional category.
The event will run until Tuesday, January 28, with 174 cyclists from 23 countries participating. These include representatives from 29 teams and national teams from countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Thailand, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritius, and Rwanda.
The stages of the major international event will continue in the following days: Second stage: “Central Region”
On Saturday cyclists will cover a distance of 127 km, starting from in front of the wheat farm in Mleiha and ending at the University of Dhaid.
In the third stage is called Science and Culture. It will be held on Sunday, and include an accompanying race for people with disabilities (wheelchair “H” and special bicycles “C” categories) as well as the youth category.
This 11.16 km race will start and end in front of the American University of Sharjah in the University City.
Fourth stage is named Eastern Region taking place on On Monday where cyclists will race 132.32 km, starting in front of Al Hefaiyah Lake in Kalba and finishing at the Suhub Rest Area in Khorfakkan.
Fifth and final stage is “Past and Future”.
The final stage will take place on Tuesday, , covering a distance of 121.87 km, starting from the Heritage Village in Al Hamriyah and ending in the Aljada area in Sharjah.
The tenth edition of the Sharjah International Cycling Tour will feature a range of international and local teams, including: International teams:
Savoy (France); Burgos (Spain); Vinny Fantini (Italy); Wagner (Belgium); Universe (Netherlands); Istanbul Municipality (Turkey);
Obidos (Portugal); OU Seven (Uzbekistan); Rojai (Thailand); Lee Niang Star (China); Kenan (Japan); Terengganu (Malaysia); Victoria Sport (Philippines).
Local teams includes Emirates Continental Team; Abu Dhabi Cycling Club; Shabab Al Ahli Club; Khorfakkan Club; Dubai Police Team; and Airwerks Team.
These teams will compete across the various stages of the prestigious cycling event.
The Sharjah International Cycling Tour, a major global event, is not only a sporting competition but also a significant tourism event for the emirate.
The Sharjah Cycling Tour will not only showcase thrilling athletic competition but also create an engaging experience for fans with a variety of accompanying events at the start and end of each stage.
These events are designed to add excitement, entertainment, and interactive opportunities for spectators of all ages.
With these dynamic additions, the Sharjah Cycling Tour promises to deliver more than just a race—it will be a festival of sports, fun, and camaraderie, ensuring unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.
As the participants compete across the five stages, they will pass through some of Sharjah’s most distinctive tourist attractions, highlighting the emirate’s cultural and natural beauty.
Known for its challenging routes that combine flat sprints with grueling climbs, the race offers a test of both speed and endurance.