Dubai: The chairman of the Dubai Tour is convinced that the cycling race has reached out to the people of the UAE.

Reflecting on the success of the inaugural version of the Tour, which finished on Saturday, Saeed Hareb, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said he was convinced of the tremendous power of the event in reaching a large cross-section of society.

“The success story of the Dubai Tour was written on the faces of the people,” Hareb told media on Saturday. “My deepest apologies to the residents for the inconvenience we may have caused with the closure of several roads for four days, but nothing can beat the response we received in organising such an event for the first time here.

“Dubai is a well-known brand worldwide after so many years. But I think with an event like the Dubai Tour, we have further consolidated our position and received a huge approval for this brand.”

The official said that the first task before the organising committee is to sit and carry out a brain-storming session to consider the pros and cons of the race. “We need to see where we are going wrong and also see what things we can do better to make this tour a part of our identity in Dubai,” Hareb said.

The chairman did not discount the possibility of adding a stage to the race next year, subject to endorsement of the UCI, the world governing body for cycling. “Then we also have to consider that we do not upset the planning of the other two races in the region in Qatar and Oman,” he said. “We are ready and keen to add a stage, perhaps venture into Al Ain or any of the other emirates, but at the same time ensure there is no inconvenience of any sort.

“If we were to recount what has happened, it has been a good story to tell about Dubai to the world but spread over four days.”

Lorenzo Giorgetti, of organisers RCS Sport, further endorsed Hareb’s statements. “Dubai is a brand in itself and the Dubai Tour is a statement in the cycling arena,” the Italian said.

“Dubai is the only place on the UCI calendar that has an entire race run within one city. This is the uniqueness of this race and I doubt we will have anyone replicating this feat in the near future.”

Giorgetti was keen to see the Dubai Tour grow further, however, with the sanction of all concerned including the UCI and the participating teams. “We have to respect the spirit of cycling in the end,” he said.