Dubai: Under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the Arqoub Al Sadeera race marked the conclusion of the 10th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship on Sunday.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event, organised by the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, saw Jens Reynders of the Dubai Police team clinch the title in the Professional Men's category. Helal Al Harbi of the ABH Team emerged victorious in the Amateur Men's category, while Petra Zsanko from the Dubai Police team secured the Professional Women's title. Ines Carrasco, competing individually, won the Amateur Women's category.
Yacine Hamza and Jullen Vermote, both representing the Dubai Police team, took second and third places in the Professional Men's category. Suleiman Manwal from Team Yasi and Mohamed Faraj from Airwerks Team - Bin Hadher followed in the Amateur Men's category. In the Professional Women's field, Elena Ibramin of the Dubai Police team finished second, with Daria Fomina claiming third place. The Amateur Women's category saw Habiba Aliwa of Airwerks Team and Zahra Hussein finishing second and third, respectively.
Arqoub Al Sadeera is recognized as the largest and only race of its kind, spanning a 100 km route from Al Samha in Abu Dhabi to Seih Al Salam in Dubai. The event drew 367 cyclists from 48 nationalities and 33 teams competing across men's and women's categories, indicating a strong community and international participation.
The Dubai Police team triumphed in the Professional Men's team standings, with the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs and Abu Dhabi Cycling Club securing second and third places, respectively. In the Amateur Men's category, Airwerks Team - Bin Hadher took the top spot, followed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi's ABH Team and the Ministry of Defence team. The Dubai Police team also led the Professional Women's team category, while Airwerks Racing team won the Amateur Women's team title.
Reflecting the high level of interest and participation, the Higher Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship increased the prize fund from AED700,000 to AED800,000, distributed among the top finishers in all categories.
The race was attended by key figures such as Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship; Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council; Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmouk, CEO of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center.
Omair bin Juma Al Falasi expressed his gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed for his support and guidance, noting the personal impact of His Highness's presence at the races in motivating the community towards a healthier lifestyle. Al Falasi highlighted the success of the Arqoub Al Sadeera race as the perfect conclusion to the championship's tenth season, underscoring its global status as a major community event featuring both amateur and professional competitors.
The championship commenced with the Emirati Men's Amateur Race and featured a series of events, including the Elite Race and desert races, under the themes 'Ten Years of Achievements and Success' and 'Safety and Security.' A camel caravan from the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center added a unique attraction to the event, converging with the race route in Seih Al Salam, Dubai.
The concluding race, a new addition to the championship, was organised in collaboration with several key entities, including the Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Dubai Sports Council, and various strategic partners, reinforcing the event's comprehensive and inclusive nature.