UAE Resident Wins Historic First Edition of L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France

Dubai: The first-ever L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France, the world’s largest amateur cycling series, made a spectacular debut in the UAE this weekend. The event attracted over 1,000 cycling enthusiasts, including amateur riders, professional athletes, and hobby cyclists, setting a new record for participation in an amateur cycling race in the UAE.

A Thrilling Race Through Dubai

The main race took place on Sunday, February 2, starting from Dubai Design District (D3) and covering a challenging 101 km route. Cyclists navigated the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) before heading onto Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54) for the final sprint towards Expo Village Park.

In a stunning victory, Syrian national and UAE resident Ibrahiem Alrefai made a decisive push in the final stretch, securing first place with a time of 02:17:24. He was closely followed by Ivan Kormshchikov, with Danil Konotop completing the podium.

Champion’s Words: A Proud Moment

Speaking after his win, Ibrahiem Alrefai expressed his excitement:

“Winning the inaugural L’Étape Dubai is an incredible honor. The course was both challenging and rewarding, and the atmosphere was fantastic. It was a true test of endurance, and I’m proud to be the first champion of L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France.”

Women’s Race and Young Achievers

In the women’s category, Olha Shekel won the race with a time of 02:20:20, followed by Ebtissam Zayed in second place and Olivuja Balesisyte in third.

Among the young riders, 15-year-old UAE resident Darcey Minton secured first place in the 50 KM Ride, supported by race sponsor Škoda.

Dubai’s Vision for Global Sporting Events

The event was strongly supported by the Dubai Sports Council, which aims to establish Dubai as a leading hub for international sports events.

Saeed Hareb, a senior official, highlighted Dubai’s unique blend of modern luxury and sporting excellence, saying:

“This race combined the beauty of Dubai with the history and prestige of the Tour de France. Riders experienced fierce competition while passing through stunning landmarks, including the Al Marmoom area, which is home to the world’s largest nature reserve and top-class cycling tracks.”

A Milestone for Cycling in the UAE

Jozef Pukalovic, the event organizer, praised the success of L’Étape Dubai:

“Bringing L’Étape Dubai to the UAE for the first time has been an incredible achievement. From the intense competition to the enthusiastic crowd support, the event exceeded all expectations. We are excited to grow this event in the coming years.”

As the final cyclists crossed the finish line, L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France cemented its place as a major sporting event in the UAE. More than just a race, it celebrated endurance, community spirit, and the rise of cycling culture in the region. With Dubai committed to hosting world-class sports events, L’Étape Dubai is set to become a key fixture in the global cycling calendar. 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️