Dubai To Host Prestigious L'Etape Cycling Race By Tour De France In 2025

Dubai will host the "L'Etape Dubai" cycling race, presented by the Tour de France, on February 2, 2025. Organised by Belton and Be Cool Events in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council and sponsored by Škoda Cars, this event is one of the most renowned races for amateur cyclists.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Dubai Sports Council headquarters. Present were His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General; and Maher Julfar, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Event Details and Schedule

"L'Etape Dubai" will feature four race components over two days. On February 1, a Kids Race will start at 9 am covering distances of 300 metres and 3 kms based on abilities. This will be followed by a Family Ride over 20 kms starting at 9:30 am. The main races on February 2 include "L'Etape Dubai" over 110 kms and "The Ride" over 60 kms, both beginning at 6 am.

A race village will be set up at the start/finish line offering fun activities for families. Preliminary training sessions will begin in September. Registration for "The Ride" (60 kms) closes on September 30 while "The Race" (110 kms) registration ends on December 31.

Ali Omar Al Balooshi, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council, Lukas Honzak, Managing Director of Škoda Middle East, Antoine Quiers from Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), Fayrouz Al Qadi, General Manager of Peloton, and Josef Pokalovic, General Manager of Be Cool SRA addressed the press conference.

This race adds to Dubai's growing list of international sporting events. Launched in France in 1993, L'Etape first expanded outside France in 2015. It has since reached various cities worldwide and now makes its debut in the Middle East through Dubai.

Christian Prudhomme, General Director of Tour de France, stated: "The 'L'Etape Dubai' is the only sporting event where cyclists will feel like real champions. The race gives cyclists of all skill levels the opportunity to experience a unique vibe that is full of passion and excitement."

Cycling Infrastructure in Dubai

The Government of Dubai recently announced new cycling tracks in Hatta spanning over 53 kms. These add to existing facilities across the emirate including Al Marmoom Reserve and various parks and beaches. Such infrastructure supports both competitive and community cycling events year-round.

"Cycling enjoys great interest and support from our wise leadership in Dubai," said Ali Omar Al Balooshi. "This is due to the many benefits of cycling in terms of health, vitality and an active community."

"We are pleased to organize this major global race in Dubai," said Ali Omar Al Balooshi. "An event of this stature is nothing new for Dubai given our history with international sporting events."