Saturday marks the start of the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo 2024

The Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo 2024, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, kicks off on Saturday, 16 November, at 6AM, on a 150 km course, starting from the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, and ending at the Al Ain Cycling Track in Al Ain.

The race has a total prize money of AED 2 million, being one of the most prominent sporting events in the UAE, which enhances Abu Dhabi's efforts in organising world-class cycling events, while also highlighting cycling as a sport and its role in improving its practitioners’ overall health.

The race village opened its doors to receive participants on Tuesday, 12 November, at the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club on Al Hudayriat Island, and to also distribute bags and race supplies. The race organising committee also issued a brochure for the race, which includes race details, regulations, starting locations, and water stations along the route. The organising committee and judges will meet with the teams tomorrow, Friday, 15 November, to discuss some matters related to logistics and technical services. 

The race organising committee had previously announced the allocation of a category for UAE citizens. They will also follow the various starting procedures from 6AM onwards, according to age group, speed, individual participation, and group participation (teams). 

His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “The Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo is a key driver for the ambitions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to become the leading global destination for cycling, as it is a competitive race that brings together amateurs and professionals alike.

“The third edition of the race will witness great competition on the 150 km championship route from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, with total prizes worth AED 2 million. The race is considered part of the Bike Abu Dhabi platform and its year-round events, which aim to achieve the long-term ambitions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, to be a leading global destination for cycling.” 

Fabrizio D’Amico, COO of RCS Sports & Events and Race Director of the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo, said: “As the third edition of the event approaches, it is exciting to see the growing enthusiasm of riders to participate in this event that brings together riders from all over the world.

“This year, we are proud to welcome a wider international participation, and more teams and riders from all over the world. We have also previously adopted the new Nationals category, which is expected to attract more interest and participation compared to 2023, adding another dimension to the growth of the event.” 

D’Amico pointed out that the race route from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain over a distance of 150 km promises a tough and challenging race, as it tests endurance and determination at the same time, indicating that the race provides the opportunity for riders of all levels to compete side by side. He further emphasised that everyone is ready to emerge from this event with impressive success for the third year in a row.