L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France Unveils Race Details for Middle East Debut
L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France, powered by Škoda and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, has revealed exciting details about its inaugural Middle East edition, set to take place on February 1-2, 2025. This premier cycling event promises a blend of thrilling race routes, family-friendly activities, and a showcase of cycling heritage at the Expo Village Park.
Cycling enthusiasts and professionals can look forward to two race routes— a challenging 101km Race and a 50km Ride. These routes offer participants the chance to navigate Dubai’s iconic landmarks and breathtaking desert landscapes, starting at Dubai Design District (D3) and finishing at Expo Village Park.
Highlights of the Event
Saturday, February 1 will kick off with a vibrant Tour de France Village at Expo Village Park, featuring the Tour de France Museum, kids' races, a 20km Family Ride, cycling workshops, team introductions, and appearances by cycling legends. The fan zone will also host interactive partner activations, product showcases, and food and beverage offerings.
Sunday, February 2 will see the flagship races begin at 6:45 AM after a pre-race breakfast at D3. Participants in "The Race" will tackle the 101km route, while "The Ride" offers a more accessible 50km option. Both courses include sprint sections, sponsored by Škoda, where cyclists can test their endurance and speed. Sprint winners will be awarded the iconic Škoda Green Jersey.
Route Details
The race begins at D3, following the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54). While 50km participants head directly to the finish line at Expo Village Park, 101km participants take a scenic detour through the desert along Expo Road (E77).
The event concludes with an awards ceremony celebrating top performers.
Pre-Event Activities
To prepare participants and foster a sense of community, January will feature a series of social rides organized by The Cycle Hub. These sessions, held at Al Qudra and Nad Al Sheba cycle tracks, offer distances ranging from 36km to 85km and are free for registered participants.
Organizers’ Vision
Antoine Quiers, Project Manager at Amaury Sport Organisation, said:
“At A.S.O., organizer of the Tour de France, we are proud to bring L'Étape Dubai to the UAE. This incredible city offers the perfect conditions to experience the Tour de France atmosphere. We look forward to seeing everyone at the starting line!”
Fairouz Al Qazi, Race Director, added:
“Introducing L'Étape Dubai to the Middle East is a significant milestone. This event unites sport, culture, and community, offering a truly unforgettable experience.”
With its world-class setup and community-driven ethos, L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France is set to become a cornerstone event in Dubai’s sporting calendar.
