Dubai set to revolutionise cycling with L’Etape race by Tour de France

In yet another first, Dubai will play host to the L’Etape Dubai cycling race, presented by the Tour de France.

The event will take place on February 2, 2025. Organised by Belton and Be Cool Events in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council and sponsor Skoda Cars, the L’etape Race is among the most famous races dedicated to amateurs.

An event of this stature puts participants in an atmosphere of legacy and history of the Tour de France, the oldest cycling race in the world.

The inaugural edition was announced during a press conference held at the headquarters of the Dubai Sports Council.

This race is bound to be an important addition to the host of cycling events in the UAE.

The announcement was held in the presence of Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, and Maher Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre,

The Secretary General of the council received a specimen of the official jersey of the Tour de France, as well as the jersey of the Hungarian team, which was presented by representatives of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce who attended the conference and confirmed the participation of more than 50 cyclists in next year’s race.

During the course of the press conference, the official jersey of the L’etape Dubai race, featuring the most important landmarks of Dubai, was unveiled.

L’Etape Dubai will consist of four race components held over two days. The first day on February 1 will see a Kids Race at 9 am over a distance of 300 metres and 3 kms depending on their abilities. This will be followed by a Family Ride that will be held over 20 kms with a 9.30 am start.

On February 2 will be the actual race consisting of the actual L’Etape Dubai” over a distance of 110 kms and “The Ride” over 60 kms. Both races will be flagged off at 6 am.

The official press conference was addressed by Ali Omar Al Balooshi, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council, Lukas Honzak, Managing Director of Skoda Middle East, Antoine Quiers from Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), the organizer of the Tour de France, Fayrouz Al Qadi, General Manager of Peloton, Josef Pokalovic, General Manager of Be Cool SRA, the organizer of the L’Etape race.

Dubai is now among the latest venues that has joined the list of global cities hosting this event, which was launched in France in 1993.

The L’Etape race was held for the first time outside France in 2015, gradually moving to a number of new cities on different continents to reach the Middle East region through the Dubai race.

This unique race is bound to bring together thousands of cycling enthusiasts from across the UAE and around the world and Ali Omar was excited about this aspect of the new event.

“We are pleased to organize this major global race in Dubai, which is one of the most important cities that supports sports in general and cycling in particular. An event of this stature is nothing new for Dubai going by a host of other international sporting events that we have hosted here throughout the year in cooperation with various international federations and organizers,” he said.

“Cycling enjoys great interest and support from our wise leadership in Dubai, and this is due to the many benefits of cycling in terms of health, vitality and an active community. We further benefit from organizing such important events keeping sports tourism and the sports industry in mind,” he added.

It may be recalled that the Government of Dubai recently announced the addition of new cycling tracks in the Hatta area, extending over a distance of more than 53 kms, in addition to the several other existing riding facilities all over the emirate, including the Al Marmoom Reserve, beaches, parks and various destinations of Dubai.

“The racetracks will be carefully selected to allow thousands of participants to enjoy the experience of cycling in the most beautiful areas and destinations across Dubai. These will include various unique cultural, tourist and residential landmarks, so that mere participation in the race will be an experience engraved in the participants’ memories and in their records of achievements,” Ali Omar added.