Mohammed bin Rashid attends Al Salam Cycling Desert Race at Al Marmoom Reserve

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai organized the Desert Race, which was the third stage of the ninth Al Salam Cycling Championship. This championship is known as the world’s largest community cycling event in terms of diversity and prize value.

The race was held at the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve in Dubai and saw intense competition among the participants. Cyclists showed great skill and endurance as they rode through the challenging desert terrain. The race had two different routes: Sarouq Al-Hadid, which was 52 kilometers long, and Al Ashoosh, which was 57 kilometers. A special sprint segment was also included at Areeqib Brashi.

His Excellency Omair bin Jumaa Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, officially started the race. Many distinguished guests were present at the event.

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The race was a thrilling display of strategy and endurance, as the cyclists tackled sand dunes and natural obstacles with determination. All participants followed strict safety measures, wearing helmets, cycling glasses, and hydration packs. They used mountain bikes fitted with front and rear lights to navigate the challenging course.

Team and Individual Winners

At the end of the race, the winners were announced. In the Al Ashoosh 57-km race, Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Club secured the top three positions. Grega Bol won first place, followed by Cornelis Vermeltfoort in second, and Timo de Jong in third. In the team rankings, Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Club finished first, Airwerks Racing Team came second, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai secured third place.

In the Sarouq Al-Hadid 52-km race, Essaid Abelouache from Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s team took first place. Jaber Al Mansoori from the Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Team finished second, while Soulayman Minaoual from the Yasi team came third. In the team rankings for this race, Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Club claimed first place, followed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s team in second and the Dubai Police Cycling Team in third.

Sprint Challenge

In the Dubai Endurance City Point Sprint Challenge, Ahmed Obaid Saif Al Marri from Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s team won the UAE Nationals (18-39 years) category. Jaber Al Mansoori of Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Club finished second, and Abdulaziz Saeed of GDRFA Dubai Cycling Team took third place.

In the Residents (18-39 years) category, Cornelis Vermeltfoort from Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Club secured first place, while Mohamed Farag of Yasi Team took second and Roan Tamang finished third.

For the UAE Nationals (40+ years) category, Abdullah Saeed Al Hattawi from the Dubai Police Cycling Team won first place. Tariq Obaid of GDRFA Dubai Cycling Team finished second, and Naif Al Marzooqi came third.

In the Residents (40+ years) category, Ian Dialo Cabahug from Talabat Boys 30+ secured the top spot. Arturo Lada of LCW UAE Cycle Procap finished second, while Simon Henely of The Cycle Hub Radisson Team took third place.

A Celebration of Dubai’s Sporting Spirit

Speaking about the event, His Excellency Omair bin Jumaa Al Falasi praised the leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which continues to inspire the sporting community. He highlighted the commitment to innovation, which has made the Al Salam Cycling Championship one of Dubai’s most prestigious sporting events.

More than just a race, the event showcases the beauty of Dubai’s landscapes. The course is designed to challenge cyclists while also highlighting the breathtaking natural scenery of the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. The event aims to engage not just participants but also global audiences who follow the race through television and social media coverage.

HE Al Falasi emphasized that the carefully planned routes provide an opportunity for participants to experience the region’s stunning natural settings. He commended the cyclists for their dedication and skill in tackling a challenging course that spans road, desert, and mountain terrains.

The Al Salam Cycling Championship will conclude with the Women’s Race on 16 February 2025 at the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve.