ABU DHABI: The UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy continues to inspire future cycling champions, with hundreds turning out at Yas Marina Circuit to celebrate the success of the team’s latest cycling initiative.  

Over 120 youngsters took part in the UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy Open Day, with time trial races, skills challenges and introduction to cycling sessions on offer to children of all ages.

Those taking to the track to record their best times were pitted against UAE National Champion, Yousif Mirza, with the UAE’s only ever Olympic cyclist giving the enthusiastic youngsters hints and tips on developing into competitive riders. He was also on hand to give encouragement to those who were part of the introduction to cycling sessions – something the Emirati feels is extremely important, especially as the UAE continues to invest in cycling infrastructure.  

“It’s fantastic that we have so many young cyclists eager to compete in competitive races, but for me, it is just as important to see the younger kids learning to ride,” said Mirza.

“As a youngster, I fell in love with cycling because it was a fun activity to do with my family and friends – I just enjoyed riding my bike. I see so many kids here with big smiles on their faces when they are riding, and I was exactly the same 20 years ago.”

The UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy has been rolled out in three Abu Dhabi based schools over the past three weeks, with over 400 youngsters participating in a range of cycling sessions, covering three core areas of Bike Familiarisation, Bike Confidence and Bike Skills.