DUBAI: The highly anticipated L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France, the world’s largest amateur cycling series, made an electrifying debut in the UAE, drawing over 1,000 cyclists. This marked the highest-ever participation for a first-edition amateur cycling event in the country’s history.
Held on February 2, the main 101 km race kicked off from Dubai Design District (D3), taking riders along Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) before the decisive sprint on Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54). Syrian national Ibrahiem Alrefai, a UAE resident, surged ahead to claim victory at Expo Village Park, finishing in 02:17:24. Ivan Kormshchikov and Danil Konotop rounded out the podium in an intense competition that showcased endurance, strategy, and sheer determination.
Alrefai expressed his excitement, stating: “Winning the inaugural L’Étape Dubai is an incredible honour. The course was challenging yet rewarding, and the energy from participants was truly inspiring.”
In the women’s category, Olha Shekel took first place in 02:20:20, followed by Ebtissam Zayed and Olivuja Balesisyte. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Darcey Minton, one of the youngest female riders, won the 50 km Ride, supported by race sponsor Škoda.
The event was strongly backed by the Dubai Sports Council, aligning with Dubai’s vision to host world-class sporting events. Saeed Hareb remarked on the race’s significance, highlighting Dubai’s mix of urban luxury and natural beauty, including routes through Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve and Expo City Dubai.
Organiser Jozef Pukalovic celebrated the success of L’Étape Dubai, promising an even bigger event in the future. With Dubai fostering a thriving cycling culture, this race has firmly established itself in the region’s sporting calendar.
