His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently attended the women’s race as part of the tenth edition of the Salam Cycling Championship. Held under his patronage, the event showcased significant talent from female cyclists of various nationalities and featured a remarkable financial prize pool of 460,000 AED, highlighting the growing attention and support for women’s sports in the UAE.
Highlights of the Women’s Race
In a thrilling display of athleticism, Dutch cyclist Lorena Wiebes from Team Dubai Police – Happiness claimed victory in the women’s race, securing a prize of 100,000 AED. Her remarkable performance over a distance of 93 kilometers in the scenic Al Marmoom Reserve demonstrated her expertise, as she is also a two-time European champion. Coming in second was her teammate Femke Markus, who earned 70,000 AED, while Nina Kessler from Dubai Residency Team A took third place with a prize of 50,000 AED.
Team Standings
The results reflected the strong performance of Team Dubai Police – Happiness, which secured the top spot in the team rankings, followed by Dubai Residency Team A and Dubai Residency Team B in second and third places, respectively. Additionally, Mozah Al Mansoori, competing individually, was awarded the title of Best Emirati Cyclist in the 40+ age category, while Yulia Polivaya from Airwick Team received the same honor among various nationalities.
A Local and Global Showcase
The race commenced near the Al Qudra endurance village and wound through the stunning landscapes and historical landmarks of Al Marmoom Reserve, offering a unique blend of natural competition and visual beauty to audiences around the world through television and media coverage. Mohammed Al Mousa, a member of the organizing committee, officially signaled the start of the race.
Support and Future Initiatives
Omr Bin Jumaa Al Falasi, General Director of the private office of the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the organizing committee, expressed profound gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his unwavering support, which has been evident in every edition of the race. He commended all participants for their outstanding performances, stating, “The athletes showcased a strong performance reflecting the significant development in women’s sporting levels and their excellent preparation for the championship.” He further noted the consistent efforts to promote women’s sports through annual prestigious competitions.
The tenth iteration of the Salam Cycling Championship, themed “10 Years of Achievements and Success,” includes a variety of races catering to all categories. It also featured the men’s amateur race under the slogan “Security and Safety,” in collaboration with the Dubai Police General Headquarters, and the “Diwan of the Ruler of Dubai” race for elite male cyclists. Additionally, two desert races for men and women are scheduled for January 31 and February 1, respectively, with further details about additional races to be announced.
The championship collaborates with several strategic partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Sports Council, Government of Dubai Media Office, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, Dubai Sports Channel, and Emirates Cycling Federation, among others.
In the tenth edition of the Salam Cycling Championship, the emphasis on women’s participation marks a significant evolution in the sporting landscape of the UAE.