The Tour De DAMAC race is open to the public and will feature a 60km race for adults just outside the community’s gates.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

DAMAC Properties, in coordination with the Dubai Sports Council, is excited to announce that it will host its first ever cyclethon event on March 20 at its largest community, AKOYA.

The Tour De DAMAC race is open to the public and will feature a 60km race for adults just outside the community’s gates. A separate 6.8km race for children between 5 to 15 years of age will be held inside the community.

There will be separate categories for men, women, and Emirati men and women. The winner in each category will win a cash prize of Dhs5,000 as well as gold voucher, trophy and medal. Runner-ups will receive trophies and medals. Winners and runner-ups in the children’s race will receive trophies and medals.

“Dubai is fast emerging as a global hub for cycling, both for professionals and amateurs alike, as well as adventure seekers, thanks to exceptional facilities available for lovers of the sport in Dubai, with dedicated tracks around the city and also rugged mountain trails in Hatta for thrill-seekers,” the Dubai Sports Council said in a statement.

 “There is an ever-growing community of cycling enthusiasts in the UAE and Tour de DAMAC will be a great new addition to Dubai’s diverse sports calendar for the community, and a special gift for our cyclists. It is a wonderful new initiative, in a buzzing new district of Dubai, and Dubai Sports Council is really pleased to partner DAMAC Properties in creating this exciting new event and making it a memorable one for our cycling enthusiasts, as well as our budding young talents,” the Sports Council added.

AKOYA is DAMAC’s latest and greatest master development, packed with amenities and green outdoor spaces. The 55 million square foot community, 1.5 times the size of Central Park in Manhattan, consists of luxury villas and low-rise properties surrounding the Trump World Golf Club Dubai.

“The community is an ideal location for a cyclethon because of its tranquil and private setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cyclists will be able to take in the community sites including lush green parks and lakes, while racing,” Ali Sajwani, General Manager at DAMAC said.

DAMAC Cyclethon 2021 will adhere to the health and safety regulations set by Dubai Sports Council and National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.  Apart from that, there will be medical staff on site to assist with any potential emergencies.

“The race will be a welcome opportunity for residents to breathe fresh and cool air, soak up the sun and get some great exercise. Holding an outdoor event is generally much safer than an indoor event from the perspective of Covid-19 considerations. Registrations for the event have been pouring in. We are thrilled to host our first-ever cyclethon and are hoping to make this an annual event,” Sajwani added.

 DAMAC has been a regular participant of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. Last year the company safely and successfully held a series of sports activities and health and fitness awareness sessions for its staff for the month of November.

“Launching an annual cycling event is further proof of how DAMAC takes health and physical fitness extremely seriously. We understand, as well, that physical fitness improves mental health. Covid-19 affected our mental health as well in some way. Our hope is that the race will allow participants to take a bit of a mental break from it all,” Sajwani said.