Tadej Pogacar and his UAE Team Emirates members during the launch of the cycling academy.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Two-time Tour de France and UAE Tour Champion, Tadej Pogacar, on Sunday announced his support of a new cycling academy programme that has been developed between UAE Team Emirates and Aldar.

The UAE Team Emirates Cycling Academy presented by Aldar’ is initially set to be rolled out across Abu Dhabi-based schools, providing children aged 6 to 11 with a tailored programme of coaching focussed on building confidence and fitness as well as improving bike handling skills in a fun and safe environment.

The programme, which supports the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, will be delivered through three one-hour group sessions, ensuring that all students finish their course with a new-found passion for cycling and being active.

Pogacar and his UAE Tour team-mates joined a group of budding young cyclists to launch the programme at a special event hosted at Aldar Square, the company’s new headquarters on Yas Island. 40 children from the community were given an once-in-a-lifetime experience as they met the UAE Team Emirates squad and were taught to ride bikes by some of the best and most accomplished cyclists on the planet.

Pogacar said: “Cycling has always been my biggest passion, so it’s an honour to be involved in this project. I think it’s a fantastic sport for people of all ages and abilities – especially young children. It’s a great form of exercise, because it helps to increase fitness, muscle strength and flexibility as well as improve mobility. It’s also loads of fun! Watching the kids here today reminds me of when I learned to cycle.

“It’s a sport that given me so much in life, so I want to give back and to help inspire the next generation of cyclists.”

Salwa Al Maflahi, Director of Sustainability and CSR at Aldar said: “Promoting wellbeing and healthy lifestyles is something we at Aldar are passionate about, so we are thrilled to partner with UAE Team Emirates on this exciting new programme. With initiatives such as this, we hope to encourage young people to engage in a more active lifestyle - and in doing so, cultivate a health-conscious next generation. We also hope that a greater interest in cycling will bring families and friends together to enjoy everything outdoor that Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

Mauro Gianetti, UAE Team Emirates CEO said: “From day one, the UAE Team Emirates project has been about more than just winning bike races. Together with our sponsors and partners we have committed to promoting health and wellness and encouraging people across the UAE to use cycling as an enjoyable way to stay active.

Our partnership with Aldar has enabled us to advance our Youth Academy ambitions and engage thousands of young people through their schools, academies and communities. It is something I am extremely passionate and excited about growing together.”

The UAE Team Emirates Cycling Academy presented by Aldar will be tailored to the individual ability of each student and cover: Bike Familiarization; balance, braking and riding coordination, Bike Confidence; cornering and an introduction to changing gears, and Bike Skills; an introduction to group riding, manoeuvring around obstacles and preparation for riding in a safe, friendly and competition environment.

The programme aims to engage over 3,000 students in Abu Dhabi in its first year and expand to schools and communities across the UAE from 2023.