News DeskDubai, UAE – The second edition of L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France presented by Škoda has received a major boost with the confirmation that cycling superstar Peter Sagan will participate in the race weekend later this month.
Scheduled for January 24–25, the event offers amateur cyclists in the UAE a rare opportunity to ride on closed roads alongside one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. Sagan, a three-time UCI Road World Champion and seven-time Tour de France Green Jersey winner, will join the peloton for the main race on Sunday, January 25.
Organizers confirmed that over 700 riders have already registered for the event, which is designed to replicate the professional Tour de France experience with international standard routes and a dedicated race village.
A Weekend of Racing
The main racing action kicks off at 7:00 AM on Sunday, January 25, from the Dubai Design District. Participants can choose between two formats:
- The Epic Race (112 km): A demanding course for experienced cyclists.
- The Classic Race (61 km): A competitive yet accessible route for enthusiasts.
Both routes will conclude at the Expo Village Park.
New for this year are three designated sprint sections, including the “Sagan Speed Challenge” near Global Village. The fastest male and female riders in this section will receive special jerseys presented by Sagan himself.
“I have been watching closely as Dubai has emerged as a key destination for international sporting events, with cycling playing an increasingly prominent role,” Peter Sagan said. “L’Étape Dubai builds on that by bringing the structure and standards of one of the world’s most renowned sporting experiences to riders in the city.”
Family and Community Focus
The weekend begins on Saturday, January 24, with events tailored for families and younger riders. The schedule includes the Škoda Kids Race (300m to 1.8km) starting at 9:00 AM, followed by the Škoda Family Ride (20km) at 10:00 AM. Sagan is confirmed to attend the finish line at Expo Village Park to greet young participants.
The event also champions inclusivity, featuring ambassadors like Andrea Pusateri, an Italian Paralympic cyclist and the first Paralympic team captain in Giro d’Italia history.
“Riding in this iconic event, side by side with champions and thousands of passionate cyclists, represents exactly what I believe in: that sport belongs to everyone,” said Pusateri.
The Tour de France Atmosphere
Central to the experience is the L’Etape Village at Expo Village Park. Open throughout the weekend, the village will serve as a social hub featuring a Tour de France Museum, memorabilia, and interactive activities.
Lukas Honzak, Managing Director of Škoda Middle East, highlighted the brand’s long-standing connection to the sport: “Cycling has been part of Škoda’s DNA for more than 130 years… We are also excited to welcome Peter Sagan, a true Tour de France legend and long-standing Škoda ambassador, to inspire cyclists of all ages and abilities.”
Registration and Build-up
Following the success of the inaugural 2025 edition, which saw over 1,000 participants, organizers are expecting a strong turnout. A series of community rides will be held in the lead-up to the event, culminating in a final warm-up ride on January 18.
Registration is currently open for all categories. Interested participants can secure their spots via the official website: dubai.letapeseries.com.
