News DeskDubai, UAE – The 15th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, held in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, concluded in spectacular fashion at Expo City Dubai, drawing over 7,000 participants across various events over the weekend. The event, a key qualifier for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Series, showcased Dubai’s growing prominence in the global cycling community, with elite riders and amateur cyclists alike taking to the streets for a thrilling display of competition and camaraderie.
Elite Riders Shine in UCI Gran Fondo Qualifier
The highlight of the weekend was the 96.4 km UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier, which saw 220 elite cyclists battle it out on a traffic-free route that wound past iconic Dubai landmarks, including Global Village, DMCC/Jumeirah Lake Towers, and the scenic communities of Tilal Al Ghaf, Springs, and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
In the elite category, Francesco Lamon and Makhabbat Umutzhanova emerged as the fastest male and female riders, both crossing the finish line in 2:01:47 and 2:01:49, respectively. The duo each took home AED 10,000 from the AED 36,000 prize pot. Close behind, Maksim Orekhov and Jasper Verkuijl secured podium finishes in the men’s category, while Ebtissam Zayed and Akvile Gedraityte claimed second and third places in the women’s race.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity
The event catered to cyclists of all ages and skill levels, with the Aster Pharmacy BIG 5 competition and various categories offering something for everyone. Shaun Carey and Helle Bachofen Von Echt triumphed in the overall male and female categories, while Emmanuel Cabanas and Tania Rodrigues claimed victory in the Open Category. In the Vets Category, Simon Cox and Adriana Sanchez took top honors, completing the challenging course in impressive times.
The weekend also featured the InstaShop Junior Rides, which saw nearly 1,000 young riders take to the track on 22nd February, and the return of the Live Well Outride, a family-friendly 35 km course with a 12 km shortcut. The event’s inclusive spirit was further highlighted by a surprise giveaway from Jetour, which awarded a brand-new Jetour X50 to a lucky Outride participant.
A Vibrant Race Village and Community Spirit
At Al Forsan Park, the Spinneys Eat Well Live Well Village buzzed with post-race celebrations, offering a lively atmosphere for cyclists and spectators alike. From elite riders qualifying for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Lorne, Australia, to local participants achieving personal milestones, the event provided countless reasons to celebrate.
Record-Breaking Participation and Gratitude
Race Director Stewart Howison expressed his pride in the event’s success, stating, “The 15th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a record-breaking 7,000-plus participants across the series, we’ve reached incredible new heights this year.” He extended heartfelt thanks to the RTA, Dubai Police, and the Dubai Sports Council for their unwavering support over the past 15 years.
Looking Ahead
As one of the Middle East’s premier sporting events, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge continues to attract thousands of riders from around the world. With 346 cyclists earning their spot in the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, the event has solidified its place on the global cycling calendar. Organizers are already looking forward to welcoming participants back for the 2026 edition, promising another unforgettable celebration of cycling excellence.
