NEOM TITAN Desert Returns For Third Year Featuring Saudi Talent On Global Stage

The NEOM Beach Games have returned to Bajdah Mountain Village, hosting the NEOM TITAN Desert for the third year in a row. This prestigious cycling event saw 242 riders from 24 countries compete. Luis Leon Sanchez and Tessa Kortekaas emerged victorious after tackling NEOM's demanding desert terrain over four challenging stages.

For the first time, the final stage of the NEOM TITAN Desert took cyclists through NEOM's Nature Reserve. This section provided a unique experience as riders navigated landscapes that are home to diverse wildlife. The inclusion of this route added a new dimension to the competition.

Among the international stars competing were 12 professional cyclists, including Slovakia’s Peter Sagan and Italy’s Daniel Oss. Sagan is a three-time World Champion and has won 12 stages at the Tour de France, while Oss has participated in 16 Grand Tours. Their involvement underscores NEOM's growing status as a top destination for elite sports events.

NEOM, in collaboration with the Saudi Cycling Federation, facilitated the participation of 20 Saudi athletes on this global stage. Among them was Moroj Adil, who returned to compete at the NEOM Beach Games, and a cyclist from Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team. Their participation highlights NEOM's dedication to nurturing local talent.

Jan Paterson, Managing Director of NEOM Sports, stated: "With events like NEOM TITAN Desert, NEOM strengthens its reputation as a hub for world-class sports, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. The competitions under the NEOM Beach Games banner continue to draw the world’s finest talent, further establishing NEOM’s credibility and trust in supporting high-performance athletic events."

TITAN World Series CEO Jesus Garcia expressed admiration for NEOM: "As with every year, NEOM never ceases to amaze us. This is our third TITAN Desert here and we continue to be astonished by the beauty and unique identity of this territory. It has been a record-breaking edition, with 242 TITANs riding spectacular desert landscapes and enjoying the superior comforts of the TITAN Mountain Camp. They are all winners for crossing the finish line of this extraordinary adventure. Congratulations to all of them. We are counting the days to be part of this wonderful experience again."

Upcoming Events at NEOM Beach Games

The excitement continues with the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup scheduled for November 23 at NEOM. This event will mark its debut at the Games and conclude this year's multisport event series.

With inputs from SPA