Melissa Moncada, Head of UAE Team ADQ, says we are thrilled to be part of the first Women’s UAE Tour next month.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

UAE Team ADQ, the UAE’s first professional Women’s cycling team will participate, amongst 20 international teams, in the first Women’s UAE Tour.

The inaugural UAE Women’s Tour will take place from February 9-12, ahead of the fifth edition of the men’s UAE Tour, which will take place from February 20-26.

The Tour’s total distance is 468 km and comprises 4 stages; Stage 1: Port Rashid – Dubai Harbour (109 KM), Stage 2: Al Dhafra Castle - Al Mirfa (133 KM), Stage 3: Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium – Jebel Hafeet (107 KM), and Stage 4: Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy - Abu Dhabi Breakwater (119 KM).

Reflecting the UAE flag colours, UAE Team ADQ riders will be wearing the new race official jerseys.

UAE Team ADQ comprises 16 riders from nine countries.

The introduction of the UAE Women’s Tour offers cycling fans the chance to experience world-class racing within the region.

Melissa Moncada, Head of UAE Team ADQ, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the first Women’s UAE Tour next month. It is an inspirational race for many reasons; the first of its kind in UAE and the region. Additionally, it is a unique opportunity for women in UAE to support the female team representing our nation and see them competing in a World Tour standard race on our home soil. 

“Our main goal is to make cycling accessible, inclusive, and achievable for all. We are excited and proud to be part of this new key milestone in our young history. We are confident that this key event will shape and shake the women’s cycling ecosystem in UAE, and consequently inspire more young women in UAE and the Middle East region to join the cycling movement,” Moncada added.

As part of its mandate, UAE Team ADQ launched its UAE-centric platform named Women Moving Forward by UAE Team ADQ.

Under this unique initiative, UAE Team ADQ’s trainers and experts work with governmental, corporate, and other stakeholders, to provide professional cycling capacity building for women at all levels, through a variety of professional workshops, events, and team coaching.

“Our mission, as a professional team, is not only limited to achieving the best results at international cycling events, but also includes nurturing a passion for cycling and sports among women in the UAE. We have launched Women Moving Forward by UAE Team ADQ to grow this collaborative journey. Through this platform, we are providing women with innovative and professional sports tools that empower them to reach their full potential, starting with sport.” Moncada concluded.

UAE Team ADQ organised its training camp, ahead of the 2023 UCI World Tour, last December in Tuscany, Italy.  Seventeen riders from nine nationalities represent UAE Team ADQ during the new season, including Safiya Alsayegh (UAE), Alena Amialiusik (Belarus), Olivia Baril (Canada), Marta Bastianelli (Italy), Sofia Bertizzolo (Italy), Eugenia Bujak (Slovenia), Chiara Consonni (Italy), Eleonora Gasparrini (Italy), Mikayla Harvey (New Zealand), Elizabeth Holden (Great Britain), Alena Ivanchenko (Russia), Karolina Kumiega (Poland), Erica Magnaldi (Italy), Silvia Persico (Italy), Laura Tomasi (Italy), and Anna Trevisi (Italy).

“Since its outset, the UAE Tour has provided a great opportunity to showcase the country’s landmarks and varied territories to the world,” Aref Al Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said at the launch ceremony on Tuesday.

“It has also allowed us to showcase how the popularity of cycling has grown significantly within the region.

“As a favourite in the UCI cycling calendar, the UAE Tour has been a great opportunity to showcase our country’s diverse territories and historic sites to the world.

“With the new UCI Women’s WorldTour, we represent both an exciting milestone for the country’s development in cycling and showcase the strides we have taken to promote professional women’s cycling in the region,” he added.”

UAE Team ADQ is a professional women’s cycling team that represents the UAE on a global stage and is part of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Established in 2021, the team consists of passionate professionals, including 17 talented riders, engaged in transforming the female cycling industry.