Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, today witnessed the final stage of the Men's Desert Race, a key event of the Al Salam Cycling Championship. This marked the conclusion of the tenth and largest edition of the championship so far.
According to Emirates News Agency, the championship, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and organized by the Private Office of the Ruler of Dubai, culminated with Dubai Residence Cycling Team's Abdulla Al Ali securing victory in the Emirati category. Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli's Daan Eddyt Soete triumphed in the Open category, and Nicole Louise Frain led the Women's category.
The race concluded the desert segment of the competition, following a closely contested women's race held on Saturday. Winners in both the men's and women's fields were awarded prizes totaling AED455,000. Participants in age group events, including a 300-meter sprint challenge, received AED80,000 in prizes.
In the Emirati category, Abdullah Al Hammadi achieved second place, and Rashid Al Baloushi came third, demonstrating strong performances along the 50-km race route through the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. In the Open category, Coen Vermeltfoort finished second, with Jason Toby Osborne in third. In the women's competition, Maddy Black and Marion Fromberger claimed second and third places respectively.
The team competition saw the Dubai Residence Cycling team emerge first in the Emirati category, followed by the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club and the State Security team. Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli topped the Open category, with Dubai Residence Cycling Team and Airwerks Team 1 taking second and third places respectively.
Naif Al Marzooqi of Al Wathba Maxfit won the Emirati over-40 category, while Grega Bole of Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli led the Open over-40 category. The race was flagged off by Essa Al Mutaiwei, Deputy Director-General of the Court of H.H. the Ruler of Dubai, with Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum in attendance.
The desert races attracted 172 participants from 41 nationalities and 23 teams, with a notable turnout in the Emirati, Elite, and Women's categories. Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director-General of the Private Office of H.H. the Ruler of Dubai, announced a new addition to the championship, the Arqoub Al Sadeera Race, set for February 8th, covering a 100 km route from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
The event was coordinated with entities such as the Ministry of Interior, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and others. Al Falasi expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed for his support, highlighting the championship's national prominence and global standing. He emphasized the importance of desert cycling races in promoting sports and healthy lifestyles.
Al Falasi congratulated the participants for their determination, which has set impressive benchmarks over the championship's ten seasons, contributing to a collective spirit of excellence among Emiratis and the broader community. The Al Salam Championship is organized in collaboration with strategic partners, including several key government and sporting bodies.
