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Wed, Nov 13, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 11, 1446 | DXB
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Watch: Sheikh Zayed Road turns into giant speed lap as Dubai Ride cyclists race at 30kmph
Part of the Dubai Fitness challenge, the Dubai Ride is returning for the fifth edition this year to turn the iconic stretch into a stunning cycling track
Cyclists during the Dubai Ride, a flagship event of the yearly Dubai Fitness Challenge at Sheikh Zayed Road, on Sunday morning. KT Photos: Shihab
Scores cyclists had the unique opportunity to race down the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road during the Dubai Ride on a beautiful Sunday morning. For the first time, the event featured a special speed lap segment, introduced exclusively for experienced cyclists, which began at 5am.
Open only for those above the age of 21, these laps required participants to maintain an average speed of 30km/hr to ride the 12km Sheikh Zayed Road route going from Dubai World Trade Centre to Safa Park and back. Riders were required to exit the route by 6am.
Part of the Dubai Fitness challenge, the Dubai Ride is returning for the fifth edition this year to turn Sheikh Zayed Road into a stunning cycling track. The fifth edition witnessed a record participation of 37,130 amateur and professional cyclists of all ages.
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A vibrant parade led by Dubai Police’s cyber truck and a group of delivery riders flagged off the fifth edition of the Dubai Ride.
Watch a video here:
Thousands of experienced and amateur cyclists took to Sheikh Zayed Road for the iconic Dubai Ride on Sunday November 10. Some dressed in their professional gear while others donned the purple T-shirts given out this year as part of the cycling mega event to registered participants. Still others chose to go all out and dress up to a theme.
Housemates Mark, Lala, Ang, Dave and Joylynn were returning for the event for the fifth consecutive year. “This is one of the most awaited events of the year for us,” said Mark. “We left our home in Deira at 4:30am to get here for the race on time. Every year, we have our photos taken at the same spot. It is almost like a testament to our bond.”
Watch the video below:
A group of cyclists called AUH riders left their homes in Abu Dhabi at 2am to get to the ride in time for the speed laps. For them, the brand new feature was one of their biggest motivations to come. “During the usual Dubai Ride, you have to be extremely careful as there are so many cyclists of varying levels and the average you get is about 20km/hr,” said member Noushad. “This year we were considering skipping it when we heard about the speed laps. That was a huge motivation for us.”
The group of 25 arrived a little after 4am to participate in the speed laps. “It was the most exhilarating experience,” he said. “We got about 24 kilometres before we were asked to exit. We really enjoyed it and it made the drive from Abu Dhabi worth it.”
After the laps, the group rejoined the Dubai Ride to cycle the 4km route. “This is one of those iconic cycling experiences that no rider wants to miss,” he said. “We picked the 4km route so that we can cycle past all the major landmarks.”
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Nasreen Abdulla
Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.
Shihab
The creative spirit has always been part of Shihab’s DNA. When he captures a moment through his lens, it is eternalised for the viewer through the photographer. With several prestigious awards to his credit, Shihab’s works have also been part of many photo exhibitions in the city. Vocal through his creations, Shihab is currently bringing out the best of digital photography and also edits video packages for Khaleej Times.
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