Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The third edition of Ride for Zayed, an event held annually to commemorate the memory of late Sheikh Zayed, will take place from Dec.1-6.

The event is going virtual for the first time this year and will enable cyclists of all levels to participate from around the globe.

NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) invites cyclists from all levels, and from anywhere in the world, to register for the third edition.

This year’s ride, will encourage riders to participate virtually via stationary bikes or cycling outside wherever in the world they may be.

Participants can choose to follow any of the three tracks devised: beginners can register for the participation ride which requires cyclists to record a single journey of any distance; those with more experience can choose to record a 49km cycle, or cumulative rides of 49km, in celebration of the 49th anniversary of the UAE; and those seeking a bigger challenge, there is the option to complete 102km, or cumulative rides of 102km, to commemorate 102 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE..

All rides must be completed between Dec.1-6. The collective distances will be measured through the registration link on inphota. Participants can connect their Garmin, Strava or Fitbit accounts to their inphota profile.

The annual event was originally created to mark the birth of Sheikh Zayed 100 years ago and is now in its third iteration.

Salma Al Busaeedi, NYUAD Intercollegiate Athletics and External Sports Relations Manager, said: “We are excited to call out to all cyclists across the globe to join us to celebrate and commemorate the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan as we look towards the future.  We are using this opportunity to convene with cyclists from all levels to take part in representing our nation’s advancements. Looking forward to welcoming new and returning participants this year!”

In 2018 and 2019, Ride for Zayed took place at Abu Dhabi’s Al Hudayriat Island cycle track, attracting community members of all ages from NYUAD and the broader Abu Dhabi community.