Dubai: More than 300 top-class cyclists representing 18 teams from across the world will be in action at the fourth Sharjah International Cycling Tour that will be flagged off at 2.30pm from the Expo Centre Sharjah, on Saturday.
An initial list of 17 teams had confirmed for the annual race but on Thursday, the Sharjah Continental Team was added as the latest outfit to participate in the competition.
A Category 2.2 UCI Asia Tour event held over four stages and totalling 665 kms, the Sharjah International Cycling Tour is held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Last year, Moldova’s Alexandr Pliuschin finished ahead of the UAE’s Yousuf Al Mirza and Soufiane Hadi of Morocco after Roman Van Uden had won the race in 2013.
Supported by Professional Communication Corporation, Nedaa this year’s race has sponsorship from the Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Sharjah Expo, Sharjah Investment and Marketing, Sunrise Foundation, Sharjah Media General, Sharjah Police, United Gulf Insurance Brokers, Sharjah Municipality and Sharjah Cooperative Society.
Besides the UAE, there are teams from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Chinese Taipei, Kuwait, Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Hong Kong, along with professional teams from Sharjah and Sky Dive Dubai.
The first stage will start from Sharjah Islamic Bank and conclude near the Sharjah Expo Centre after covering a distance of 140km. The second stage will be flagged off at 9am from the Sharjah International Airport and head towards the eastern region covering a distance of 170km and conclude at the Dibba Al Hisn Club.
The third stage will also have a 9am start at the Al Maliha Club and conclude in front of the Al Hamriya Club after covering a distance of 165km, while the fourth and final stage on Tuesday will start from the Al Qasimiya University and end after covering a distance of 190km at the Al Madam Club. The final presentation of prizes and trophies will be held at the Al Majaz Park in Sharjah.
For the first time this year, the organisers have decided to have an open race called the ‘Emirates Cup’ to coincide with the 44th UAE National Day celebrations on December 2. The 135km race will be open to all cyclists and residents of the UAE and will be flagged off at 7.30am on Wednesday from the Al Alam area of Sharjah.
