L'Etape Dubai By Tour De France: Race And Route Details Revealed

The United Arab Emirates is gearing up for a landmark sporting event, L'Etape Dubai by Tour de France powered by Škoda, set to make its debut in Dubai on 1-2 February 2025. The event, backed by the Dubai Sports Council, is a cycling challenge inspired by the prestigious Tour de France.

Participants have the option to embark on a 101km race route or a less demanding 50km ride, alongside family rides and races for children. The event will kick off from Dubai Design District (D3) and conclude at Expo Village Park, marking a significant addition to Dubai's vibrant sporting calendar.

As anticipation builds, the organizers have unveiled a comprehensive program for the event weekend, scheduled for the 1st and 2nd of February. The highlight will be on Sunday, with races beginning at 6.45am followed by a pre-race breakfast at D3.

Participants can choose between The Race, a challenging 101km route, and The Ride, a more accessible 50km option. Both routes will guide cyclists past Dubai's iconic landmarks, offering stunning views of the city's skyline and desert landscapes.

The Dubai Sports Council has announced that hosting the inaugural L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France in the Middle East is a testament to Dubai’s global standing as a leading sports destination.

The Council stated, "L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France offers a truly a genuine experience inspired by one of the world’s most famous sporting events. This event not only reinforces Dubai’s position as a hub for world-class sports but also promotes active and healthy living. Open to professionals, enthusiasts, families, and children alike, the event embodies our vision to encourage sports as a way of life for everyone."

The Dubai Sports Council has reaffirmed its dedication to organizing major events that showcase Dubai as a city that bridges sports, culture, and community.

In addition to the races, the weekend will feature a variety of activities, setting the stage for an immersive Tour de France experience. On Saturday, the Expo Village Park will transform into a lively Tour de France Village, hosting a 20km Family Ride and Kids Race. This interactive hub will include the Tour de France Museum, showcasing historic jerseys and the official director's car, thanks to Škoda.

To unite Dubai's cycling community and prepare participants for the upcoming races, the month of January will feature multiple social rides. Organized by The Cycle Hub, these preparatory activities will offer weekly rides on Al Qudra and Nad Al Sheba cycle tracks, covering distances from 36km to 85km. These sessions are designed to help cyclists acclimatize to the conditions and build excitement for the event.

The Race Village, serving as the central hub for the event, will offer an array of interactive partner activations, product showcases, and a dedicated Food & Beverage zone. Open from 8am-8pm on Saturday and 7am-2pm on Sunday, the village promises to be a key attraction for cycling fans and families, providing an engaging experience throughout the weekend. Supported by key sponsors like Škoda and Emirates National Bank, the village aims to celebrate cycling in a manner that connects sport, culture, and community.

Antoine Quiers, Project Manager at Amaury Sport Organisation, expressed pride in bringing L'Etape Series to the UAE, stating, "At A.S.O., organizer of the Tour de France, we are very proud to put UAE on L'Etape Series' map, alongside 20 other countries. This incredible city, where anything is possible, will show that more than one of the most attractive places in the world.

"With the first edition of L'Etape Dubai, you will have the opportunity to feel the unique Tour de France atmosphere, and to experience the best cycling conditions with fully closed roads and perfect weather. We can't wait to meet you all during the event! Good luck for the last days of your preparation and see you on the start line!"

Fairouz Al Qazi, Race director, also shared enthusiasm for the event's debut, saying, "Bringing L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France to the Middle East for the first time is a major milestone for us and our co-partners from Europe from BE COOL agency. We are proud to introduce a route that showcases Dubai's vibrant landscape. We hope to celebrate cycling in a way that unites sport, culture, and community, and we believe this inaugural edition will offer an unforgettable experience for everyone involved."