Junior Challenge spices up Spinneys Dubai 92 cycling

Cyclists approach the finish line during the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. — Supplied file photo

Dubai — The popular community cycling event in the Middle East is on again, and with 92 days to go until the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge on 12 December, organisers have announced that it will be even bigger and better this year with the addition of a Junior Challenge to the programme.

The event, now in its fifth year, has grown exponentially and now attracts cycling enthusiasts from all over the world. This year more than 2,000 riders are expected to enter — four times more than took part when the event was launched, and organisers have expanded the programme to include races for under 16 year olds.

The Junior Challenge will be held on Thursday, December 11, and junior cyclists aged 7-10 will be able to enter a 16-km race, while 11-16 year olds will race over 32-km. Mini Rides for the smaller children aged 6 and under will again be held on the day of the Spinneys 92 on December 12.

The long-term vision of the organisers of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is to rival the success of other mass participation events, such as Cape Argus Cycle Tour, South Africa, which regularly attracts over 35,000 cyclists from all over the world, including some of the world’s top riders.

“The addition of the Junior Challenge is another step towards our long term goal of developing a strong base of cycling here, in both the expat and Emirati population. The more that people, especially young people, see others participating, the more interest is generated in getting involved. Cycling is not only great for fitness, it is very social too so it is great for the community and bringing people of all nationalities together,” organisers said.

“We really appreciate the enthusiasm of the Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Cycling Federation for our event, their support has been critical to the success of the event. And we couldn’t do it without our sponsors and supporters: Spinneys and Dubai 92”.

Four build up rides are also held in the lead up to the big day. The build-up rides give cyclists the opportunity to work on their fitness, and to practice riding in a group, and are particularly good for new cyclists.