Mohammed bin Rashid at Women’s Desert Race finale

Women’s Desert Race held under patronage of His Highness

The race, organised by the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, was held today under the patronage of His Highness. The Championship continues tomorrow (Sunday, 1 February) with the Men’s Desert Race. Total prize money for the two races stands at AED 455,000.

Emirati category results

In the Emirati women’s category, MyWhoosh Team dominated the podium, with Noura Al Ghafli claiming first place, followed by her teammate Ayesha Foolad in second, and Hamda bin Hammad completing the clean sweep in third.

Open category results

In the open category, Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli Team swept the podium, with Nina Kessler taking first place, followed by her teammates Nicole Louise Frain in second and Lea Lienschoeft in third.

Team standings

At the team level, MyWhoosh Team claimed first place in the Emirati women’s category, followed by Team Airweks 1 in second place and Edge Team finishing third. In the open category, Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli Team secured first place, followed by Dubai Police Team in second place and Team Airwerks 2 Team in third.

40+ category winners

Mouza Al Mansoori, competing individually, won first place in the Emirati women’s 40+ category, while Yulia Polevaya of Airwerks 2 Team won first place in the open 40+ category.

Special recognition for Sheikha Madiya

The Organising Committee honoured Sheikha Madiya bint Hasher bin Manaa Al Maktoum with a special recognition for her participation and continuous support of women’s races within the Al Salam Cycling Championship.

Challenging course at Al Marmoom Nature Reserve

The race featured female competitors from various nationalities, who tackled a challenging 20-kilometre course through the Al Marmoom Nature Reserve, navigating multiple obstacles.

Organisers highlight innovation and growing participation

Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Championship, said that the directives of His Highness ensure that the Al Salam Cycling Championship remains innovative, developed and diverse in organising competitions. He noted that the desert race format has become a distinctive hallmark of the Championship due to its varied obstacles and wide participation from inside and outside the UAE.

Anticipation for men’s race and growth of desert racing

Al Falasi added that the current edition recorded high participation among women, with similar turnout expected for Sunday’s men’s race, which features a 52-kilometre course. He added that the Championship has helped popularise desert racing on specialised mountain bikes.

Strategic partners supporting the championship

The Al Salam Championship is organised in cooperation with several strategic partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Sports Council, the Government of Dubai Media Office, the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, Dubai Sports Channel, the UAE Cycling Federation (General Referee), and Dubai Film.