In the presence and 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 today organised the Desert Race, the third stage of the ninth Al Salam Cycling Championship, the world’s largest such community race in terms of diversity and prize value.
Intense competition was the order of the day, with participants demonstrating remarkable levels of skill and endurance as they navigated challenging desert terrain. Held within the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve in Dubai, the event featured two unique routes: Sarouq Al-Hadid (52 km) and Al Ashoosh (57 km). The race also includes a timed sprint segment 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 Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, flagged off the race, which was held in the presence of many distinguished guests.
In a rousing display combining tactical acumen and impressive endurance, the riders took on sand dunes and natural obstacles with gusto. Adhering to strict safety standards, they wore helmets, cycling glasses, and hydration packs as they sped past on mountain bikes equipped with front and rear lights.
Team and individual rankings
The winners of the race were crowned at the end of the event, with Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Club dominating the top three positions in the Al-Ashoush 57-km race. Their rider Grega Bol secured first place, followed by Cornelis Vermeltfoort in second place and Timo de Jong in third.
In the team rankings of the same category, Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Club claimed first place, followed by Airwerks Racing Team in second, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai settled for the third spot.
In the Sarouq Al-Hadid 52-km race, Essaid Abelouache from Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s team secured first place, followed by Jaber Al Mansoori from the Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Team in second, and Soulayman Minaoual from the Yasi team in third.
In the team rankings for the 52-km race, Shabab Al Ahli Cycling Club finished first, followed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s team in second, and the Dubai Police Cycling Team in third.
Sprint challenge
