News DeskDubai, UAE: Majid Al Balooshi of the UAE and Carolina Karlsson of Sweden emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s categories of the flagship 112km Epic Race at L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France, presented by Škoda, further reinforcing Dubai’s growing reputation as a leading global sports destination.
Backed by the Dubai Sports Council, the second edition of the prestigious event attracted a record 1,200 amateur cyclists from 79 countries over the weekend, blending elite-level competition with strong community participation. The presence of international cycling icons, including seven-time Tour de France Green Jersey winner and three-time UCI Road World Champion Peter Sagan, alongside former Tour de France stage winner Zdenek Štybar, added star power and global appeal.
The Epic Race took place on Sunday, January 25, with riders starting from Dubai Design District (D3) and navigating a fast-paced yet controlled course through Nad Al Sheba, along Al Ain Road and past Global Village, before finishing at Expo Village Park. Challenging desert winds in the closing kilometres tested riders’ endurance, while comprehensive safety measures ensured a smooth and well-managed race.
Al Balooshi secured the men’s title in a time of 02:36:21 after a closely fought contest, with Faisal Almamari and Stepan Shishkov completing the podium. In the women’s race, Karlsson claimed top honours with a time of 02:37:52, ahead of Kristina Zabolotko and Maria Bykovskaya.
“I am delighted to have taken part in this race for the second consecutive year and to compete among such a strong field of riders,” said Al Balooshi. “The organisation and conditions were exceptional, and I look forward to continuing to represent the UAE on local and international platforms.”
In the 67km Classic Race, Chrysler Tadena of the Philippines won the men’s category in 01:37:50, while Alena Pavlatova of the Czech Republic claimed the women’s title in 01:39:03. The event also highlighted emerging talent, including 15-year-old Zayed Zeeshan, one of the youngest finishers.
A new highlight this year was the introduction of three dedicated sprint segments, including the Sagan Speed Challenge near Global Village. Francesco Bettini won the men’s sprint, while Karlsson topped the women’s standings, with both receiving special jerseys presented by Peter Sagan.
Saturday’s opening day featured a festival-style atmosphere at the L’Étape Village in Expo Village Park, with the Škoda Kids’ Race and the 20km Škoda Family Ride attracting hundreds of participants. Overall, the weekend saw approximately 20 per cent international riders and 10 per cent Emirati cyclists, underscoring the event’s international reach and strong local engagement.
Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the success of the event reflects Dubai’s vision of promoting an active lifestyle and hosting world-class sporting events that engage the entire community, in line with the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’ initiative.
With strong support from partners including Škoda, A.S.O., Dubai Police and RTA, organisers hailed the record participation as confirmation of L’Étape Dubai’s place on the international cycling calendar, with plans already underway for an even bigger edition next year.
