Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed receives the Bicycle City logo from the UCI and launches the new support platform BAIC Abu Dhabi

Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed receives the Bicycle City logo from the UCI and launches the new support platform BAIC Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the first city in Asia to hold the title

Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed receives the “City of Bicycles” logo from the UCI and launches the new support platform “BIK Abu Dhabi”

The prestigious title comes in recognition of the achievements made to support cycling, hosting world-class events, plans to expand infrastructure and programs dedicated to cycling, and the emirate's commitment to the International Federation's strategy in providing cycling for all.

Launching the new BIKE Abu Dhabi platform to support the emirate's long-term ambitions in cycling, and to enable the interconnection between the three core elements: mobility, health and entertainment, and sports.

Infrastructure development plans include the "Abu Dhabi Loop", a 109 km connected track, which connects the city's main destinations.

The unveiling of the new Al Hudayriat Velodrome with a capacity of 3500 spectators.

The launch of a one-day competitive tournament under the title Abu Dhabi Al Ain Classic for amateurs.

Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the 2022 and 2024 World Urban Cycling Championships and the 2028 Gran Fondo World Championships organized by the International Cycling Union.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - November 2, 2021: His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and head of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, received the emblem of the Cycling City from the International Cycling Union, the world governing body for cycling, to become the capital The first Asian city to be awarded this prestigious title.

His Highness received the logo during a special ceremony held on the cycling track on Al Hudayriat Island, in the presence of His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and David Lappartian, President of the International Cycling Union.

During the event, His Highness launched "Bike Abu Dhabi", the new support platform that is the main driver of the emirate's long-term ambitions, to be a leading global destination for cycling, by enabling the interconnection between the three basic elements of mobility, health, entertainment, and sports.
On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed said, "The emirate's obtaining this distinguished title reflects the efforts of the Abu Dhabi government over the past years to make Abu Dhabi a preferred destination for cycling. These efforts included the development of a world-class infrastructure that includes sports and community facilities according to the best standards, thus enhancing Abu Dhabi’s position among the most preferred cities to live in the world.”

His Highness added, "The emirate is on the verge of achieving more achievements to advance sustainability in all sectors, including urban development plans, to provide more opportunities for the emirate's residents, which encourages them to lead a healthy lifestyle."

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “The title of Bike City reflects the city’s outstanding international ranking, due to the quality of its cycling infrastructure. This is an important addition to the many developments in Abu Dhabi in the field of cycling and the practice of competitive sport, which helps to support a healthy lifestyle, contributes to protecting the environment, and enhances the well-being of the Abu Dhabi community.”

He added, “Cycling is one of the essential activities that contribute to maintaining the happiness and health of community members, and helps establish deep ties to the city. The new BIKE Abu Dhabi platform marks the beginning of a new and exciting cycling chapter in the emirate, and will encourage residents of all skills to adopt cycling as an active and sustainable lifestyle. We look forward to hosting a range of new global and community competitions, and expanding the world-class facilities available, to raise the profile of bicycles to greater heights.”

UCI President David Lappartein said: “The Cycling City title supports cities and regions that host major UCI events, and invests in programs and infrastructure to develop the bicycle concept. We are pleased to announce that Abu Dhabi has been awarded this prestigious title, an achievement that is the first of its kind in the Middle East and Asia in general, and highlights the emirate's distinguished initiatives to encourage cycling and support the participation of the local community. Abu Dhabi has clear vision and plans as part of a strategy aimed at promoting cycling and making this activity available to all.”

The title celebrates Abu Dhabi's commitment to the Federation's strategy of providing cycling for all, which aims to encourage cycling every day, as a healthy leisure activity, a sustainable means of transportation, and a competitive sport for amateurs and professionals.

Abu Dhabi joined the list of the world's leading cycling destinations, including Bergen in Norway, the Danish capital Copenhagen and Glasgow in Scotland, the French capital Paris, Vancouver in Canada and Yorkshire in Britain.

Under the BIKE Abu Dhabi platform, plans to support the infrastructure of this sport include expanding the bike path network in the emirate from 300 km to more than 1000 km in length. This includes the development of Abu Dhabi Loop, a 109 km connected bike path that connects the city’s main destinations, in a move that enhances mobility and motivates people to adopt a healthier lifestyle using safe and sustainable solutions.

The plans also include the establishment of the “Al Hudayriat Velodrome”, a cycling hall that can accommodate approximately 3,500 spectators, with an area of ​​12 square meters, providing more opportunities to host world-class international and local championships, and enhancing the position of Al Hudayriat Island as a major destination for cycling in Abu Dhabi. .

To mark the occasion, the BIKE Abu Dhabi platform members' first community tour was held on the cycling track on Al Hudayriat Island after the party.

Abu Dhabi is a prominent destination for cycling, as it has established cycling centers, including a 28 km track in Al Hudayriat Island, and 40 km tracks in Al Wathba, providing luxurious facilities for all levels, whether group bike rides or individual and family trips. .

Bicycle enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi also have the opportunity to use a developed network of cycle paths, which have recently undergone a major expansion and improvement process by the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport. Riders of all skills can also access and train for free twice a week at the Formula 1 race track at the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island.

Abu Dhabi has also achieved a leading position in hosting many international cycling events, as it hosted various stages of the Emirates Tour, which is part of the global series of races organized by the International Cycling Union, and the National Road Cycling Championship, in addition to regular events throughout the year. for amateurs.

After the opening round of the Cycling City title, it was announced that Abu Dhabi would host the 2022 and 2024 UCI World Championships and the 2028 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

It was also revealed that a number of new races and community events will be organized, such as the first session of the Al Ain Classic Championship in Abu Dhabi, a one-day race on a track starting from Abu Dhabi and ending in Al Ain, with the participation of Emirati clubs and amateur athletes.

On the other hand, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council recently announced its partnership with RCS Sport to organize the next three sessions of the Emirates Tour.

The emirate's strong cycling club ecosystem provides plenty of opportunities for cycling enthusiasts of all levels, such as professional competitions, weekly group rides and informal social rides. Abu Dhabi Cycling Club operates continuously under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, which participates in organizing and hosting professional competitions and community events.

For more information about cycling in Abu Dhabi, please visit: www.bike.abudhabi