Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The fourth iteration of the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo solidified its position among the UAE’s elite sporting events, attracting over 1,000 cyclists from 68 nations to tackle a challenging 150-kilometre race.
With a total prize pool of AED2 million, the event united professional athletes, hobbyist riders, and various teams, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning image as a leading venue for endurance sports globally.
Intense Route Through Abu Dhabi
Starting at 7am from Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, the race concluded at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, presenting a unique blend of competitive cycling intertwined with the UAE’s rich cultural history. The festival provided a vibrant backdrop for both cyclists and onlookers, showcasing traditional Emirati activities.
Participants were categorized by their skill level and average speed. The foremost group featured professional riders and registered teams, succeeded by various amateur sections.
Top Finishers from Around the World
Ukrainian cyclist Serhii Sydor of Al Wathba Team dominated the men’s race, finishing the 150km course in an impressive time of 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 30 seconds. He was closely followed by Dutch cyclist Cornelis Vermeltfoort, who finished just one second later, while Anton Popov from Russia took third place.
In the women’s division, Dutch rider Nina Kessler secured first with a time of 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 37 seconds. She was followed by Nora Jenčušová from Slovakia in second and Yona Vandamme from the Netherlands in third.
Notable Performances by UAE Nationals
Local competitors showcased exceptional talent as well. In the UAE Nationals men’s category, Abdulla Al Hammadi of Abu Dhabi Cycling Club took first place with a time of 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 33 seconds, while Salem Al Shmeili of the Dubai Police Team claimed second, and Ahmed Al Mansoori finished third.
In the UAE Nationals women’s race, Marwa Salman from My Whoosh Team emerged victorious with a time of 3 hours, 31 minutes, and 14 seconds, followed by Noura Al Ghafli in second and Aisha Foulad in third.
Team Rankings
The Dubai Police Team excelled in team events, achieving first place in the men’s team classification, with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Abu Dhabi Cycling Club following close behind. The women’s category was similarly dominated by the Dubai Police team, followed by the Dubai Residency Team in second and Astro Falcon Team in third.
Strong Institutional Support
The event was officially inaugurated by high-ranking members of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the UAE Cycling Federation, and the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, showcasing robust institutional backing.
After the event, Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, remarked that the international participation for the fourth consecutive year demonstrates Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to engaging the community and fostering the development of cycling in the UAE and surrounding regions.
Safety Protocols and Fan Interaction
Robust safety measures were maintained throughout the race, with dedicated medical teams, emergency responders, and technical support vehicles positioned along the route to ensure rider safety and rapid assistance when required.
This year’s edition introduced a Race Village at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, which featured activities for fans, recovery zones for riders, family-friendly areas, and spaces for exhibitors, creating a comprehensive experience for all involved.
Live coverage of the event, including pre- and post-race analyses and detailed reporting of all race classifications and outcomes, was provided by Abu Dhabi Sports Channel.
With impressive international turnout, elite competition, and increasing community involvement, the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo is poised to strengthen its reputation on the global cycling stage.
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