DUBAI, 3 February (BelTA - Emirates News Agency) - The highly
anticipated L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France, the world’s largest amateur
cycling series, made its grand debut in the UAE this weekend, bringing
together over 1,000 cycling enthusiasts, from hobby riders and amateurs
to elite athletes, and recording the highest number of participants for
the first edition of any amateur cycling event in the history of the
UAE.
The main race, held on Sunday, February 2nd, saw hundreds of competitors set off from Dubai Design District (D3) on a thrilling 101 km route, navigating Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) before a decisive push by Syrian national and UAE resident, Ibrahiem Alrefai, along Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54), delivered an exhilarating first place finish at Expo Village Park. In total, the event featured the highest number of international competitors to have participated in the first edition of an amateur cycling race in Dubai, including over 250 Emiratis.
After a fiercely contested battle, Ibrahiem Alrefai secured the first-ever L’Étape Dubai title in a time of 02:17:24, followed closely by Ivan Kormshchikov in an impressive effort, with Danil Konotop rounding out the podium. The competitive nature of the race saw riders put their endurance and strategy to the test, with an electric atmosphere pushing them towards the finish line.
The female winner in the overall race was Olha Shekel in a time of 02:20:20, with Ebtissam Zayed in 2nd position and Olivuja Balesisyte finishing 3rd. One of the youngest female finishers was 15-year-old UAE resident Darcey Minton who took first place in the 50 KM Ride and was supported by race sponsor Škoda.
The event received strong backing from the Dubai Sports Council, whose vision is to establish Dubai as a premier destination for international sporting events.
As the final cyclists crossed the finish line, L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France cemented its place as a landmark event in the UAE’s sporting calendar. More than just a race, it served as a celebration of endurance, community, and the growing passion for cycling in the region. With Dubai continuing to champion world-class sporting initiatives, L’Étape Dubai has set a strong foundation for a thriving cycling culture, inspiring both seasoned athletes and newcomers to take to the roads and embrace the sport.
The main race, held on Sunday, February 2nd, saw hundreds of competitors set off from Dubai Design District (D3) on a thrilling 101 km route, navigating Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) before a decisive push by Syrian national and UAE resident, Ibrahiem Alrefai, along Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54), delivered an exhilarating first place finish at Expo Village Park. In total, the event featured the highest number of international competitors to have participated in the first edition of an amateur cycling race in Dubai, including over 250 Emiratis.
After a fiercely contested battle, Ibrahiem Alrefai secured the first-ever L’Étape Dubai title in a time of 02:17:24, followed closely by Ivan Kormshchikov in an impressive effort, with Danil Konotop rounding out the podium. The competitive nature of the race saw riders put their endurance and strategy to the test, with an electric atmosphere pushing them towards the finish line.
The female winner in the overall race was Olha Shekel in a time of 02:20:20, with Ebtissam Zayed in 2nd position and Olivuja Balesisyte finishing 3rd. One of the youngest female finishers was 15-year-old UAE resident Darcey Minton who took first place in the 50 KM Ride and was supported by race sponsor Škoda.
The event received strong backing from the Dubai Sports Council, whose vision is to establish Dubai as a premier destination for international sporting events.
As the final cyclists crossed the finish line, L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France cemented its place as a landmark event in the UAE’s sporting calendar. More than just a race, it served as a celebration of endurance, community, and the growing passion for cycling in the region. With Dubai continuing to champion world-class sporting initiatives, L’Étape Dubai has set a strong foundation for a thriving cycling culture, inspiring both seasoned athletes and newcomers to take to the roads and embrace the sport.
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