Latest news with #L'ÉtapeDubai
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France returns for second edition in January
Following its successful debut in February this year, L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France will return for its second edition on Jan. 25 2026. Organised with the support of official partner Skoda and government partner Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the world-class cycling event is set to attract even more participants, while offering an expanded weekend program of activities for all of the family. The inaugural edition of L'Étape Dubai welcomed over 1,000 participants, including 243 international riders and 266 Emiratis, making it the largest first-edition amateur cycling event of its kind in the UAE. The race featured 101 km and 50 km competitive courses, a 20 km family-friendly ride and kids' races, passing key landmarks across the city. Reinforcing its status as the premier platform for amateur cyclists to experience the spirit of the Tour de France in the Middle East, the 2026 edition of L'Étape Dubai aims to build on this momentum by increasing participation to a total 2,000 cyclists across the various categories. Pre-registration opens on 27 July 2025, offering a 15% early-bird discount ahead of the official registration launch in September. In addition to the main race, the 2026 weekend program will expand its community and family engagement elements. The (Jan.24) will once again host the popular, non-competitive Family Ride and Kids' Races, with new initiatives and family-oriented activities led by Skoda, welcoming even greater participation of families and first-time riders. The weekend will also feature an enhanced fan village and broader race village activations, with community cycling activities being planned after the summer in the lead-up to the race. The 2026 edition of L'Étape Dubai is also set to welcome legendary former Tour de France riders to the UAE, building on the participation of three former Tour de France riders in 2025. Essa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council, said: 'We are delighted to welcome this truly world-famous race back to Dubai, following the huge success of the inaugural edition held in 2024, that witnessed the participation of more than 1,000 amateur cyclists of various nationalities from within and outside the country. 'I am confident that the next edition will be even more successful, thanks to the heightened stature of cycling in Dubai and the availability of tracks extending hundreds of kilometers across the city. This is in addition to the increasing number of people practicing this wonderful sport, and the extensive experience of the Dubai Sports Council and the organising committee in hosting cycling races.' He further added: 'The race will be held in January, at a time when we enjoy wonderful weather, and I feel this will be the perfect opening to a busy season of international cycling races in Dubai. The race routes will be carefully selected to allow thousands of participants to enjoy cycling in the most beautiful areas and destinations in Dubai, which boasts a variety of unique cultural, tourist and residential landmarks. Participating in this race will be an unforgettable experience that will remain in the participants' memories and in their records of achievements.' Antoine Quiers of A.S.O, organisers of the Tour de France, said: 'After this successful first year, we are very proud to announce that L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France will come back to the UAE for a second edition. At A.S.O. we are already looking forward to the next edition. Thanks to the priceless support of the key stakeholders, including Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Police, Škoda Middle East, and all the event sponsors we are certain that L'Étape Dubai will be even more successful in 2026. Together, we will once again bring the magic of the Tour de France to Dubai!' Fairouz Al Qazi, race director of L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France powered by Skoda, commented: 'The first year of the event confirmed that road cycling is booming in Dubai and throughout the Emirates and I am extremely happy and proud that today we can announce the date for 2026 as well as the launch of the pre-registration period for the second edition. We would like to thank Škoda Middle East, Dubai Sport Council and Dubai Police, as well as our other partners for their support and we look forward to another cycling adventure.
Mid East Info
18-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Radisson Hotel Group Elevates the Game with Tailored Hospitality Solutions for Athletes and Sports Fans
Radisson Hotel Group continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in sports hospitality, with recent partnerships reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional accommodations and tailored experiences for athletes, teams, and sports professionals. Following its role as the Official Accommodation Partner for L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France 2025 and the Official Hospitality Sponsor of the World Football Summit (WFS) Asia 2024, Radisson Hotel Group is setting new standards in seamless, athlete-focused hospitality. Elevating the Athlete and Fan Experience L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France 2025: As the official accommodation partner of this premier cycling event, Radisson Hotel Group hosted athletes, crew, and fans at Radisson Damac Hills and Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City. Strategically located near key cycling routes, these hotels provide an optimal blend of comfort, wellness-focused amenities, and accessibility to enhance the experience of participants and attendees. Radisson Hotel Group also hosted global sports industry leaders at World Football Summit Asia 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Through its Sports Approved Program, Radisson Hotel Group offers a 360-degree hospitality solution tailored for athletes, teams, and event organizers ensuring specialized accommodations with performance-enhancing amenities tailored to sports teams. Expanding its commitment to competitive excellence, Radisson Hotel Group has also introduced Esports Ready by Radisson Hotels, a first-of-its-kind hospitality program designed exclusively for esports teams and event organizers. With over 100 Esports Ready properties worldwide, this initiative offers high-speed connectivity, flexible services, and dedicated team-centric spaces, ensuring esports professionals can perform at the highest level. 'Sports have an unparalleled ability to bring people together, and at Radisson Hotel Group, we are committed to enhancing that experience through world-class hospitality,' said Tim Cordon, COO, Middle East, Africa & Southeast Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group. 'Through initiatives like our Sports Approved Program and Esports Ready by Radisson Hotels, we aim to provide athletes, teams, and fans with tailored accommodations that enhance both performance and enjoyment.' A Future-Forward Approach to Sports & Hospitality As sports tourism continues to grow, Radisson Hotel Group is investing in strategic collaborations that redefine athlete-focused hospitality and elevate the fan experience beyond the stadium. With an expanding global footprint and a commitment to innovation in sports accommodations, Radisson is set to lead the industry in the years ahead.
Sport360
27-01-2025
- Automotive
- Sport360
Škoda: Nurturing a passion for cycling in the UAE, Middle East and beyond
This passion for cycling remains at the heart of the brand, evolving over time to become an integral part of its identity. Today, Škoda's legacy in cycling continues through the 'We Love Cycling' platform—a global initiative that champions cycling as a sport, a lifestyle, and a community. In the UAE, Škoda has taken significant steps to nurture a growing cycling culture, with athletes such as Darcey Minton and Martin Nikolenko exemplifying the impact of this support. Škoda's efforts include organising amateur cycling races and events, promoting road safety, and supporting cycling teams and individuals. Škoda's Cycling Heritage Škoda's journey from bicycles to automobiles is a testament to its enduring commitment to innovation and mobility. Throughout its history, the brand has celebrated its cycling roots with remarkable milestones. Long-lasting collaborations—currently marking 24 years of Škoda's official partnership with the Tour de France and La Vuelta—have solidified Škoda's role as a driving force in global cycling. The Škoda's We Love Cycling platform further extends this heritage by promoting a shared vision of cycling—one that unites communities and inspires a healthier, more active lifestyle. From sponsoring elite events to creating resources for everyday cyclists, Škoda continues to honour its founders' legacy in meaningful ways. L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France: Cycling as a Growing Passion in the UAE In the UAE, sporting events like L'Étape Dubai bring world-class cycling experiences to local enthusiasts, offering a platform for both seasoned athletes and newcomers to engage in the sport. Škoda's sponsorship of this premier event highlights its dedication to fostering a vibrant cycling culture in the region. Through partnerships, events, and outreach programmes, the brand is helping to build a sustainable community of cyclists across the UAE. Darcey Minton and Martin Nikolenko: Local Champions of Škoda's Vision Darcey Minton is a shining example of Škoda's dedication to nurturing cycling talent. Having started as a competitive swimmer from a young age, it was a chance introduction to triathlons—encouraged by her school—that sparked an unexpected passion for cycling and set her on an exciting new path. Over the past eighteen months, Darcey has rapidly risen through the ranks of the UAE's amateur racing scene, earning a coveted spot on the AirWerks race team in Dubai as their youngest cyclist. Among her many accomplishments, she is particularly proud of completing a gruelling 120-kilometre race, where, at just 15 years old, she finished 3rd overall in the women's category. Her success story continues with victories as the overall female winner in the Škoda 55 km Pink Race, Škoda's L'Étape 86 km build-up ride, and the Škoda L'Étape 95 km community ride. Juggling the demands of intense training and her academic commitments, Darcey is supported every step of the way by her parents, sister, and Škoda. With unwavering determination, she dreams of one day competing in the Tour de France—a goal she is steadfastly working towards with Škoda's continued support. 'Škoda has given me opportunities to compete and grow in ways I never imagined,' Darcey shares. 'Their belief in me has pushed me to work even harder towards my goal of not only reaching but one day winning the Tour de France.' Martin Nikolenko, a 12-year-old cyclist based in Dubai, represents the future of the sport. Starting at just nine years old, Martin has won the Falcon Daman Series three times in his age group and competes in the UAE Cycling Federation National League races. In 2024, he gained international experience at the European Junior Cycling Tour Assen in the Netherlands. As a pacemaker for the kids' and family races at L'Étape Dubai, he guides and motivates young children and aspiring cyclists through their first fun cycling races, proudly wearing Škoda-branded gear. His ultimate ambition is to join the World Tour peloton, and every race he participates in is a step toward achieving that dream. 'Being supported by Škoda and having the chance to represent the brand during kids' and family races—bringing a love for cycling to younger audiences—is an honour for me. It fuels my determination to train and grow, with the goal of becoming one of the youngest expat cyclists in the region to pursue a professional cycling career,' Martin says. The Broader Vision of 'We Love Cycling' Škoda's 'We Love Cycling' platform offers far more than event sponsorships. It provides a wealth of resources, from health and nutrition tips to training programmes tailored for all levels. By inspiring individuals and families to embrace cycling, the platform fosters a global community that celebrates the joy of the sport. Locally, it continues to motivate UAE residents to take up cycling, uniting people across diverse backgrounds. Conclusion Škoda's passion for cycling, deeply rooted in its history, remains a driving force behind its global initiatives. Stories like Darcey Minton's and Martin Nikolenko's illustrate the brand's commitment to empowering individuals to pursue their dreams through cycling. As Škoda continues to champion the sport in the UAE and beyond, its vision of a thriving cycling community grows stronger with each kilometre covered. Whether through major events like L'Étape Dubai or grassroots programmes, Škoda reaffirms its dedication to making cycling a way of life for everyone.
Khaleej Times
26-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Cycling legends support L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France
Tour de France cycling legends and former Tour de France stage winners - Ján Svorada and Peter Velits, have announced their participation in the inaugural L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France (February 1-2 ). The global stars were announced at a press conference held in Dubai, and will be in the city ahead of the race to participate in pre-event festivities, meet local fans, and help shine a spotlight on Dubai's rapidly expanding cycling culture. Among the event's ambassadors are Svorada, the Czech cycling icon whose three Tour de France stage victories include a famous 2001 Champs-Élysées triumph, and who also boasts wins at the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España; Velits, a three-time World Champion in the Team Time Trial and runner-up at the 2010 Vuelta a España; his brother Martin Velits, a key member of elite cycling teams; and Jakub Truksa, a promising talent representing the sport's next generation. 'Dubai's energy is something special—it's the perfect place to bring the spirit of the Tour de France,' said Svorada. 'Being part of the inaugural L'Étape Dubai feels personal to me. Cycling has shaped my life, and I'm excited to share my experiences, ride alongside participants, and connect with people who share the same passion. It's moments like these that remind us why we fell in love with the sport in the first place.' L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France's main race day, scheduled for February 2, will allow cyclists of all skill levels to tackle one of two distinct routes: a 101km course designed for seasoned riders named 'The Race' and a 50km route suitable for enthusiasts seeking a memorable challenge dubbed 'The Ride'. Both courses will highlight the city's cutting-edge architectural marvels and striking desert panoramas, departing from Dubai Design District (D3) and ending at Expo Village. L'Etape organisers confirmed that two designated sprint sections will be included in the route, enabling participants to test their speed and compete for the iconic Škoda Green Jersey with one short climb section. Activities begin on January 31 at the Tour de France Village at Expo Village Park, where visitors will be able to enjoy interactive displays, an exhibition of legendary cycling jerseys from the history of the Tour de France, merchandise stalls, and entertainment programmes including a cycling workshop. In the morning there will also be a Kids race and 20km Family Ride. Riders wishing to participate can do so by registering via the official L'Étape Dubai website. As the momentum builds, organisers have also opened registration for the 'Welcome Dubai Rides'. Set to run from 29 to 31 January at Al Qudra and Nad Al Sheba cycle tracks, these free preparatory rides offer newcomers and seasoned cyclists alike the chance to familiarise themselves with the city's vibrant cycling scene before race weekend. As the anticipation continues to build, L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France stands poised to become a defining moment in the region's sporting history. With globally renowned legends headlining the activities, two days of challenging and accessible cycling routes, and an array of community-oriented activities, organisers are confident that this inaugural edition will leave a lasting impact.
