"BAIC Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo" Supports Abu Dhabi’s vision to be one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities

ABU DHABI, December 14, 2017 / WAM / The Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo race continues to consolidate its position as one of the most prominent sporting events in the Emirates and the region, after transforming in a few years into an event that receives wide local and international attention, and has become a platform that combines competition and fun, and supports Abu Dhabi’s vision of being one of the most important bicycle-friendly cities in the world.

As the fourth edition, scheduled for December 21, approaches, cycling in the country is preparing for an exceptional event that coincides with the “Year of Community,” to provide a new experience for participants along a path extending from Al Ain to the capital, Abu Dhabi.

The event is organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, as part of the efforts of Bike Abu Dhabi, the leading government initiative aimed at enhancing the presence of cycling in the daily lives of the emirate’s residents, and transforming it into an extended culture that combines health, sustainability, and active transportation.

This initiative was able to build a growing community of amateurs and professionals, benefiting from the advanced infrastructure of bicycle paths in Abu Dhabi, including the 28 km Hudayriat Track and the 40 km Al Wathba Track, as this integration between urban planning and sports represents a major factor in Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global city for cycling.

The new version of the “Gran Fondo” has a different character this year, as the competitors will start from the city of Al Ain for the first time, after 3 previous versions that used to start from Abu Dhabi. This change gives a new tourist and geographical dimension to the event, as it allows riders to explore various paths that combine the open desert environment with the developed urban character of Abu Dhabi, which makes the experience richer and more inspiring. The 150 km path also adds a new challenge to the participants, and enhances the aspect The competitiveness that racing is famous for.

The event starts from Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, all the way to the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. This year is characterized by a noticeable increase in the number and value of prizes, as a total of two million dirhams in prizes were allocated to 364 winners, which reflects the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s keenness to support talent, encourage group and individual participation, and provide the opportunity for the largest number of contestants to climb the podiums.

Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said that the race represents a pivotal pillar in Abu Dhabi’s ambition to be the world’s premier destination for bicycles, pointing out that the event combines competitive strength and community spirit, and reflects the emirate’s vision of promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

He added that moving to the Al Ain – Abu Dhabi track gives the race a new dimension, and highlights the event’s ability to continuously develop in a way that supports the international presence and enhances its appeal.

Al Nakhira Al Khaili, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, said that the race, since its inception four years ago, represents a unique and qualitative experience that contributes to consolidating community cohesion and enhancing the spirit of participation, especially in this year, which bears the slogan “Year of Community.”

He added that the race, by bringing together professionals, amateurs and families in one event, provides an example of the role that sport plays in creating a positive social environment, strengthening relationships between individuals, and building bridges of communication between different cultures and nationalities.

For his part, Fabrizio D’Amico, Executive Director of Operations at RCS Sports and Events, said that the race represents a qualitative leap in supporting cycling in the Emirates and abroad, which is the most prominent sport that has become widespread among members of society.

He added that the race began, since its launch in 2022, to attract elite participants around the world, quickly joining the list of recognized international events. The last edition recorded the participation of more than 1,000 cyclists from more than 70 nationalities, making the event a model of coexistence and openness that characterizes the UAE.

In general, the “Gran Fondo” race plays a pivotal role in discovering new talents, as the competitive nature of the race gives young riders an opportunity to prove their abilities, and opens the door for them to encounter high levels of competition. The event also helps local teams develop their training programs, and encourages clubs to expand the base of cycling practitioners, in a way that supports the progress of individual sports in the country.

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