ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo 2024, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, will kick off on Saturday at 6 am on a 150 km course, starting from the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, and ending at the Al Ain Cycling Track in Al Ain.
The race has total prize money of Dh2 million, being one of the most prominent sporting events in the UAE, enhancing Abu Dhabi's efforts in organising world-class cycling events and highlighting cycling as a sport and its role in improving its practitioners' overall health.
The race village opened its doors to receive participants on Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club on Al Hudayriat Island and distribute bags and race supplies.
The race organising committee also issued a brochure for the race, which includes race details, regulations, starting locations, and water stations along the route.
The organising committee and judges will meet with the teams on Friday to discuss matters related to logistics and technical services.
The committee had previously announced the allocation of a category for UAE citizens. They will also follow the various starting procedures from 6 am onwards, according to age group, speed, individual participation, and group participation (teams).
Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, "The Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo is a key driver for the ambitions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to become the leading global destination for cycling, as it is a competitive race that brings together amateurs and professionals alike."
He added that the race is considered part of the Bike Abu Dhabi platform and its year-round events, which aim to achieve the long-term ambitions of the emirate to be a leading global destination for cycling.
Fabrizio D'Amico, COO of RCS Sports & Events and Race Director of the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo, said, "This year, we are proud to welcome a wider international participation, and more teams and riders from all over the world. We have also previously adopted the new Nationals category, which is expected to attract more interest and participation compared to 2023, adding another dimension to the growth of the event."