Dubai, UAE – L’Etape Dubai, one of the most renowned cycling races for amateurs, is set to return on February 1-2, 2025. Organized by Belton and Be Cool Events in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the event is expected to attract over 2,000 participants.
The two-day event will feature four race components. On February 1, the Kids Race will kick off at 9:00 AM GST, with distances ranging from 300 meters to three kilometers, depending on age and ability. Following this, a Family Ride will cover a 20-kilometer route starting at 9:30 AM.
On February 2, the main events will take place: the 110-kilometer L’Etape race and the 60-kilometer “The Ride,” both starting at 6:00 AM.
This event marks a significant return for L’Etape, which was first held outside France in 2015 and has since expanded to numerous cities worldwide. The Dubai race represents its continued presence in the Middle East.
Ali Omar Al Balooshi, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting Dubai’s strong support for sports, particularly cycling. He emphasized the health benefits of cycling and the positive impact on sports tourism and the local sports industry.
Preliminary training and qualifying races are planned to begin in September 2024, with registration open in three stages. Riders have until September 30, 2024, to register for The Ride (60 km) and until December 31, 2024, for The Race (110 km).
Christian Prudhomme, Director-General of the Tour de France, praised the collaboration with Dubai Sports Council and the event organizers, noting the historic significance of L’Etape, which began in France in 1993.
In support of the event and the growing cycling community, the Government of Dubai recently announced the addition of new cycling tracks in the Hatta area, covering more than 53 kilometers. These tracks complement the existing facilities throughout the emirate, including Al Marmoom Reserve, beaches, parks, and various other destinations.
