Today, the world is turning towards Dubai with the launch of the second edition of the Emirates Cruise, the only global race in the Middle East, which takes place on the agenda of the International Cycling Federation, and continues until the 29th of this month, with the participation of 140 global riders representing 20 teams from five continents, with a total distance of the race up to To 1120 km.
The cruise begins with the "Dubai Silicon Oasis" stage for a distance of 148 km, which starts from the point in the Palm Jumeirah, during which the riders reach the Al-Qidra area through the Al-Marmum Reserve, and end downtown.
The second stage, “Hatta - Hatta Dam”, begins at a distance of 168 km, from the Hajar Mountains from Hatta (a traditional village) and the path passes through the mountains of Hajar and the surrounding desert on wide and straight roads characterized by continuous waves. After reaching the inflection point in Fujairah, the path turns back towards Hatta Then, it crosses the Al-Munaye area and turns towards Al-Huwailat and from there to Hatta Fort.
The third stage “Al Marmoum - Jebel Hafeet” will be held for a distance of 184 km, between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as the riders will depart from the Al Qudra region, and the path will pass in the desert on long straight roads until it reaches Al Ain.
The fourth phase of the Emirates NBD, which extends for a distance of 173 km from Zabeel Park, and its path includes passing through many famous landmarks, including Mushrif Park and Motor City, up to the City Walk area.
The challenge of the fifth stage of Al Ain becomes more difficult for a distance of 162 km, and its path passes through many landmarks such as Al Ain Zoo, Al Qattara, Hili, and Al Ain Oasis until the race reaches the Green Mubazzara, where it begins with the rise of Jebel Hafeet for a distance of 10 km until it reaches the finish line.
As for the sixth desert phase (ADNOC) for a distance of 158 km, it starts on the 28th of this month, as the path starts from Ruwais cutting the entire E11 road, which runs from the sea to the outskirts of the desert, and the first part of the path maintains its integrity for a distance of 60 km before entering the last station which is a racetrack The harbor is 18.9 kilometers long and has a turnover of three times.
The conclusion will be with the seventh and final phase of “Abu Dhabi” for a distance of 127 km, and it is called the classic route of the Abu Dhabi Tawaf (previously) around the city. After setting out from Al Maryah Island, riders will take the first part of the path along the street that connects them with Yas Island, and from Yas Marina heading towards Al Raha passing through the Grand Mosque and then returning towards Yas Marina through Khalifa City, then passing through Saadiyat Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Corniche before reaching the breakwater.
For his part, the Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, Saeed Hareb, affirmed that the UAE has become a meeting place for cycling heroes, practitioners and enthusiasts of bicycle sport, and is at the forefront of countries that witness a large and rapid increase in the numbers of cycling practitioners at the level of individuals and athletes, as well as in the numbers Annual world championships. He said in press statements: "Our sporting and community events and championships for cycling extend for most of the year to amateurs and professionals, thanks to that for the construction of safe and modern tracks." He added: “We have become attracted to the presence and participation of two world riders to participate in international and international championships, foremost of which is the Emirates International Bicycle Tour, which extends more than 1,100 km in most of the cities of the country. Global in all areas.
For his part, Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Tawaf, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Aref Al-Awani, in a press statement, said that "the circumambulation will convey to the world the interest of the UAE leadership and its distinguished community in sport and major international events."
He said: "We are proud of the value of the Emirates Tour, the event that has demonstrated its great prestige since the launch of its first edition."
• Numbers from the first version
- Four community races were held within the activities accompanying the Emirates Tour, with the participation of 1000 contestants.
- The coverage of the circumambulation witnessed the participation of 127 media personnel (86 journalists and 41 photographers) from 78 international media organizations.
- 200 countries broadcast and circulated competitions about the cruise, including 64 countries that broadcast the competitions live, through Abu Dhabi and Dubai sports channels, and other international TV networks and channels, including the Italian «Ray», French L'Equipe, Sky Sport, and « Japanese DAZN, ESPN and Flow Sport.
- The circumambulation followed more than 6 million followers on Facebook, 1.6 million followers on Instagram, and a million people on Twitter.
The volume of weights, equipment and cruise devices shipped to the UAE from 5 continents amounted to 16 thousand kilograms.
140 cyclists participated in the first edition, 131 of which went through the entire race.
The average speed of riders was 40: 546 km per hour.
- During the days of circumambulation, the hotel occupied more than 4000 rooms.
• Tawaf shirts
Red color:
Dedicated to the overall ranking leader starting from the second stage
With the lowest recorded time.
Sponsor: Emirates Airlines.
Green Shirt:
Dedicated to the leader in the overall ranking in points.
Sponsor: Swap.
White shirt:
Submitted to the best young contestant (25 years and under).
Sponsor: Palm.
Black shirt:
Awarded to the leaders of the fast middle stage.
Sponsor: Abu Dhabi Aviation.
The cruise shield .. Italian design
The Italian circular design was designed by the Italian designer Gde Bertone, who designed the FIFA World Cup, and the armor weighs 5.5 kg.