2nd Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo race to take place

Abu Dhabi Sports Council has launched the second edition of the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo that will be held on Saturday November 18, 2023. The race will comprise a 154km route starting from Abu Dhabi and finishing in Al Ain for amateur cyclists to compete in, with AED 2 million prize money being split equally between men and women. The race reflects the emirates’ efforts to promote cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation.

The international race will be broadcasted live on the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel to millions of its fans and audiences around the world. Over the years, Abu Dhabi has been steadily building a reputation as a leading destination for cyclists and cycling enthusiasts from around the world, thanks to its scenery and world-class infrastructure. Abu Dhabi’s cycling culture is supported by an extensive network of cycling paths and trails, which offers a safe and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all levels.

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al-Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasised the importance of hosting the second edition of the global community race, especially after the many successes achieved during the first edition held in 2022.

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al-Awani said: “The UAE’s cycling enthusiasts, especially in Abu Dhabi, can look forward to participating in the second edition of the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo race. The race covers a distance of 154km taking riders from Abu Dhabi, through some of the most stunning landscapes, before reaching Al Ain. The Bike Abu Dhabi platform offers many activities thoughout the year with Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo being one of the most significant ones with the prize of AED 2 million.”

Fabrizio D’Amico, Chief Operating Officer of RCS Sports, said: "We are pleased once again to cooperate with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in organising the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo race, the global community event, which witnessed exceptional success in its first edition that was held last year, and we look forward together to other successes during the next edition, and wider participation from the cycling community.”

The first edition of the race, which was held on November 12, 2022, witnessed the participation of more than 800 cyclists from 72 nationalities.