Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo Attracts Over 1,000 Cyclists

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In its fourth iteration, the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo has confirmed its position as a premier sporting event in the UAE, attracting more than 1,000 male and female cyclists from 68 countries to compete on a challenging 150-kilometre course.

Featuring a total prize allocation of AED2 million, the race assembled a mix of professional cyclists and amateurs, underlining Abu Dhabi’s ascent as a key hub for elite endurance sports.

A Unique Challenge Across Abu Dhabi

The race kicked off at 7am from Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, concluding at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. This route not only emphasized competitive biking but also celebrated the UAE’s cultural and heritage landscape. The festival showcased various Emirati traditions, creating a festive atmosphere for both participants and spectators.

Cyclists competed in grouped categories based on their experience and average speeds. The first group included professional men’s and women’s cyclists along with registered teams, followed by amateur groups.

International Standouts on the Podium

Ukrainian cyclist Serhii Sydor from Al Wathba Team triumphed in the overall men's category, completing the race in an impressive 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 30 seconds. Dutch cyclist Cornelis Vermeltfoort closely followed in second place, just one second behind, while Russia’s Anton Popov rounded out the top three.

In the women’s category, Nina Kessler from the Netherlands claimed victory with a time of 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 37 seconds. Nora Jenčušová from Slovakia secured second place, with Yona Vandamme of the Netherlands finishing third.

Outstanding Performances by UAE Nationals

Local competitors also excelled. In the UAE Nationals men’s category, Abdulla Al Hammadi from Abu Dhabi Cycling Club secured first place with a time of 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 33 seconds. Following him were Salem Al Shmeili from Dubai Police Team in second, and Ahmed Al Mansoori in third.

For the UAE Nationals women’s category, Marwa Salman of My Whoosh Team took first place with a completion time of 3 hours, 31 minutes, and 14 seconds, followed by Noura Al Ghafli in second and Aisha Foulad in third.

Team Categories

In team classifications, Dubai Police Team dominated the men's event, with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Abu Dhabi Cycling Club following closely. In the women's competition, Dubai Police Team again took first place, followed by Dubai Residency Team in second and Astro Falcon Team in third.

Significant Official Support

The race was officially launched by senior officials from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the UAE Cycling Federation, and Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, reflecting solid institutional backing.

After the race, Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized that the international participation for four consecutive years underscores Abu Dhabi's dedication to community engagement and the long-term growth of cycling in the UAE and the region.

Enhanced Safety, Fan Engagement, and Broadcast

Comprehensive safety measures were in place, including specialized medical support and technical assistance along the route to ensure diver wellbeing and prompt aid when needed.

This year’s event also featured a Race Village at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, providing fan engagement activities, recovery zones, family areas, and exhibition spaces, offering a holistic experience.

Live coverage of the event, along with pre- and post-race analyses and thorough reporting on all race categories, was provided by Abu Dhabi Sports Channel.

With robust international participation, elite rivalries, and heightened community involvement, the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo strengthens its footprint on the global cycling calendar.