His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, has inaugurated the 10th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship on Sunday.
Held under His Highness's patronage and directives and organised by the Private Office of the Ruler of Dubai, the Emirati Men’s Amateur Race kicked off under the theme of ‘Safety and Security’.
The race marked its ceremonial start at the Dubai Police Academy, with competitors crossing the finish line at Al Marmoom Reserve in Saih Al Salam.
The opening day of the Championship witnessed some impressive performances in both the individual and team categories. In the individual category, Helal Al Harbi of ABH Cycling Team 1 claimed the top spot with a time of 3:55:52.
Rashid Al Baloushi, also from ABH Cycling Team 1, secured second place on 3:55:52, while Saeed Al Blooshi, representing ABH Cycling Team 2, finished in third place with an identical time of 3:55:52.
In the team category, ABH Cycling Team 1, led by Sheikh Ahmad Bin Hamad Al Nuaimi, took the first position with an outstanding time of 11:47:35.
The Dubai Police 1 team finished in second place with a time of 12:05:16, while ABH Cycling Team 2 took third place, completing the race in 12:05:56.
Finally, in the over-40 age category, Saad Al Blooshi, representing ABH Cycling Team 1, emerged victorious with a time of 4:00:56, marking a well-deserved success.
The action now shifts to the Elite Race, also known as ‘The Ruler’s Court of Dubai Race,’ scheduled for January 18, which will be held over a 200-km route.
The race will start from the Court of the Ruler of Dubai and finish at Al Marmoom Reserve. The Women’s Race will take place on January 25, while the fourth and final race, the Desert Race, will be held on February 1, 2026.
The championship is being held in cooperation with several strategic partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai, the Dubai Sports Council, the Government of Dubai Media Office, the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, Dubai Sports Channel, UAE Cycling Federation (General Referee), and Dubai Film.

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