Dubai to Host Renowned “L’Etape” Race by Tour de France

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

In a groundbreaking development, Dubai is set to host the “L’Etape Dubai” cycling race on February 2, 2025. This event, presented by the renowned Tour de France, will mark a significant milestone for the city, renowned for its global sporting events.

Organized by Belton and Be Cool Events in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council and sponsored by Škoda Cars, the “L’Etape Dubai” race is part of a celebrated series dedicated to amateur cyclists. The L’Etape series, which originated in France in 1993, offers enthusiasts a chance to experience the prestigious Tour de France atmosphere firsthand. The Dubai race, which is the first in the Middle East, promises to bring a unique blend of competitive spirit and cultural experience to the region.

The official announcement of the race was made during a press conference at the Dubai Sports Council headquarters. Key figures in attendance included His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General, and Maher Julfar, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre. The press conference highlighted the significance of this event for Dubai’s growing sports calendar.

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A notable highlight of the press conference was the unveiling of the official race jersey, featuring iconic landmarks of Dubai. The event will include four race components spread over two days. On February 1, participants can join a Kids Race at 9 am, with distances of 300 meters and 3 kilometers, followed by a Family Ride over 20 kilometers starting at 9:30 am. The main races will take place on February 2, with “L’Etape Dubai” covering 110 kilometers and “The Ride” spanning 60 kilometers. Both races will commence at 6 am.

The press conference also showcased the official Tour de France jersey and the Hungarian team jersey, symbolizing the international scope of the event. The Hungarian Chamber of Commerce confirmed the participation of over 50 cyclists from Hungary in the upcoming race.

Ali Omar Al Balooshi, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council, expressed enthusiasm about the event, noting that Dubai’s infrastructure and support for cycling make it an ideal venue. He highlighted the city’s commitment to sports tourism and the active promotion of cycling as a healthy and vibrant community activity. The addition of new cycling tracks in the Hatta area and existing facilities like the Al Marmoom Reserve further exemplify Dubai's dedication to fostering a robust cycling culture.

The race route will feature Dubai’s most prominent cultural and tourist landmarks, offering participants a scenic and memorable experience. A race village will be set up at the start and finish line, with activities and entertainment for families. Preliminary training and qualifying races will begin in September, with registration deadlines for The Ride (60 km) set for September 30 and for The Race (110 km) set for December 31.

Christian Prudhomme, General Director of the Tour de France, praised the new partnership, noting that the L’Etape Dubai represents an exciting expansion of the series beyond France. Antoine Quiers from Amaury Sport Organisation echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the growing global interest in the L’Etape races and the significance of bringing this experience to Dubai.

Škoda’s Managing Director, Lukas Honzak, highlighted the company's commitment to cycling, and Jozef Pokalovic from Be Cool expressed excitement about the event’s potential to enhance Dubai’s cycling scene. Fayrouz Al Qadi, General Manager of Peloton, anticipated strong participation, expecting over 2,000 cyclists from around the world.

Dubai’s infrastructure supports various cycling events throughout the year, with tracks catering to all levels of cyclists. The city’s investments in cycling facilities and growing popularity of the sport are expected to further boost participation and interest in the upcoming L’Etape Dubai.

For more information about L’Etape Dubai, including event details, partners, and training sessions, visit the official website at www.dubai.letapebytourdefrance.com.

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