News DeskDubai: Dubai’s roads were transformed into a rolling celebration of sport and community over the weekend as the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge returned for its 16th edition, held in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council at Expo City Dubai.
More than 1,700 cyclists lined up for the flagship race, while total registrations across the weekend surpassed 3,000, underlining the event’s growing appeal among both elite athletes and everyday riders. From early morning, the atmosphere at Expo City buzzed with anticipation as participants of all ages prepared to take on the challenge.
The headline UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier saw over 250 elite riders push the pace on the 96.4km course, enjoying a rare, traffic-free journey through some of Dubai’s most recognisable districts. Riders swept past Global Village, DMCC and Jumeirah Lake Towers before cutting through Tilal Al Ghaf, The Springs and Jumeirah Golf Estates, eventually looping back to Expo City for celebrations at the Spinneys Eat Well Live Well Village.
At the sharp end of the race, Danil Konotop and Olivija Baleisyte delivered standout performances, crossing the line first in the men’s and women’s elite categories with near-identical times of 1:57:36 and 1:57:54. Their victories earned them top honours and a share of the AED 36,000 prize pot. Konotop was pushed all the way by Marco Lumanog and Rashid Abdulla Suwaidan, who finished just a second behind, while Maddison Black and Alina Abramenka completed the women’s podium in a tightly contested sprint.
The weekend also crowned the overall winners of the Aster BIG 5 series, with Harrison Webb and Helle Bachofen von Echt claiming the male and female titles after consistently strong performances across the competition. Both riders also impressed in the Open Category finale, while Renato Sambrano and Tania Rodrigues took home the Turquoise Jersey in the Vets Category.
Beyond elite competition, this year’s edition placed a strong spotlight on families and younger riders with the launch of a new Family Fun Day. Alongside the popular Junior Rides, the inaugural Family Fun Ride brought parents and children into the heart of the action, adding a festival-like feel to proceedings at Al Forsan Park. Food stalls, entertainment and post-race celebrations kept the Spinneys Eat Well Live Well Village lively throughout the day.
There were surprises off the bike too. One participant in the Family Fun Ride walked away with a brand-new Soueast S06 after being selected in an on-site draw, while other prizes included bicycles and helmet kits for junior riders, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Reflecting on the weekend, Warwick Gird, General Manager Marketing at Spinneys, said the event demonstrated the power of community. “Delivering our largest-ever series shows what’s possible when people come together around an active lifestyle. This challenge is about far more than racing – it’s about creating shared experiences and showcasing Dubai at its best.”
Race Director Stewart Howison echoed those sentiments, describing the 16th edition as a milestone. He highlighted the growth of the event, the success of the new Family Fun Day, and the continued importance of the race as a UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier, while thanking partners and authorities for their support.
Now firmly established as the Middle East’s largest and longest-running cycling event, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge continues to attract riders from around the world. With the 2026 race serving as a key qualifier for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, organisers are already looking ahead, inviting cyclists to prepare for the next chapter of this landmark event.
