Dubai Al Salam Cycling Championship Elite Race Stages Witnessed By Mohammed Bin Rashid

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum witnessed decisive parts of the Elite Race during the tenth Al Salam Cycling Championship. The event, organised by the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, offered total prizes of AED1 million. The Elite Race, also known as H.H. The Ruler of Dubai Court Race, highlighted Dubai’s role as a regional centre for major endurance sports.

Italian cyclist Alessandro Borgo of Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli 1 Team won the Elite Race title. Borgo received AED200,000 after maintaining strong form across a demanding 200-kilometre course. Julius Johansen of MyWhoosh Team finished second and earned AED150,000. Abdullah Jassim Al Ali of Dubai Residence Cycling Club A placed third and collected AED100,000 for the performance.

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In the team classification, Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli 1 Team secured first place overall. Dubai Residence Cycling Club A took second position in the standings. Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli 2 Team ranked third. Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli 2 rider Grega Bole also gained recognition by winning the Best Rider trophy in the Over-40 age category.

The Elite Race route extended 200 kilometres, beginning at H.H. the Ruler’s Court in Dubai. Cyclists passed key cultural and historical locations in the city before heading towards the desert. The race ended at Championship Village inside Al Marmoom Reserve in the Seih Al Salam area, linking urban landmarks with an organised protected landscape.

Competitors followed a path along Sheikh Zayed Road that showcased several well-known structures. The peloton rode past Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future, among other sites. The final stretch unfolded across the desert environment of Al Marmoom Reserve. The reserve has developed as an international destination for sport and tourism events, supported by Dubai’s wider infrastructure.

The latest edition of H.H. The Ruler of Dubai Court Race drew a notably large field. According to organisers, 289 cyclists took part, representing 51 nationalities and competing across 29 teams. The numbers built on community interest seen in the previous edition. Riders faced both a long distance and a route designed to highlight Dubai’s heritage and modern growth together.

Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of H.H. the Ruler of Dubai and member of the Supreme Organising Committee, underlined the continuing backing from leadership. Al Falasi expressed deep thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for consistent support. Al Falasi said this support motivates organisers and athletes and strengthens the championship’s position within the cycling community.

Race programme and Al Salam Cycling Championship schedule

The tenth Al Salam Cycling Championship is held under the slogan ‘Ten Years of Achievements and Success’. The series started last month with the Emirati Men’s Amateur Race. That opening race was held under the theme ‘Safety and Security’ in collaboration with Dubai Police. The route began at Dubai Police Academy headquarters, linking competitive sport with public safety awareness.

Further races are planned in the coming months as part of the same championship. The Women’s Race is scheduled for 25 January. The Women’s Desert Race will follow on 31 January. The Men’s Desert Race is set for 1 February 2026. These races extend competition across different categories while using desert and urban courses around Dubai.

Organisers, partners, and Al Salam Cycling Championship governance

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed attended major parts of the Elite Race, underscoring leadership interest in cycling. The event was supervised by the Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship. The Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai led overall organisation. Multiple Dubai government bodies and sports authorities contributed operational support and event services.

The race started officially from His Highness the Dubai Ruler’s Court with a formal signal. Issa Al Mutaiwei, Deputy Director General of His Highness Dubai Ruler’s Court, flagged off the riders. Omair bin Juma Al Falasi was present at the start line. Officials including Marwan bin Ghalita, Saeed Hareb, and Khalifa bin Aboud also attended in their institutional roles.

The championship relies on coordination between several agencies and media entities across the emirate. Strategic partners cover security, logistics, road management, sports regulation, and broadcast coverage. Their involvement supports route safety, live transmission and documentation, and technical officiating through the UAE Cycling Federation’s role as General Referee.

The tenth edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship combines elite competition with a route that links central Dubai and Al Marmoom Reserve. Strong participation, defined prize structures, and a multi-race programme underline the event’s role in regional cycling. With continued institutional backing, the championship remains a key fixture on the UAE’s annual sports calendar.

With inputs from WAM