Dubai cycling championship: Wiebes wins 93km Women’s Race in Al Marmoom
Dh460,000 prize fund raises stakes for elite female cyclists
DUBAI – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Women’s Race at the 10th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship drew an exceptional field, delivering a fiercely contested 93km race across Dubai’s desert landscape.
Organised by the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, the event brought together accomplished female cyclists from across the UAE and beyond.
A world-record prize purse of Dh460,000 further elevated the stakes, setting the stage for a high-intensity contest from start to finish.
Desert showdown
Set against the sweeping terrain of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Saih Al Salam, the race unfolded along a route that combined natural beauty with technical challenge. Riders began in front of Al Qudra Endurance Village before moving through areas known for their ecological and historical significance. The action intensified as the peloton entered the reserve, where tactical positioning and endurance proved decisive. Audiences followed the race globally through television broadcasts and digital platforms, reflecting the championship’s expanding reach.
Dubai Police/Esaad team rider Lorena Wiebes emerged as the overall champion following a tightly fought battle that culminated in a dramatic final stretch in the heart of Al Marmoom. Wiebes secured the top prize of Dh100,000 after a performance defined by timing and race awareness. Her teammate Femke Markus delivered a strong finish to take second place and Dh70,000, reinforcing the team’s dominance. Nina Kessler of Dubai Residence Cycling Club A completed the podium, earning Dh50,000 for third place.
Team standings
In the team standings, Dubai Police/Esaad claimed first place, underlining their depth and coordination throughout the race. Dubai Residence Cycling Club A finished second, with Dubai Residence Cycling Club B taking third. The results reflected the high level of preparation and collective strategy shown by leading squads across the field.
Individual honours extended beyond the overall classification. Mouza Al Mansoori secured top position in the Emirati Women’s over-40 category, highlighting local participation and competitive strength among experienced riders. In the Open Women’s over-40 division, Yulia Polevaya of Airwerks Team 1 claimed first place.
The race was flagged off by Mohammed Al-Mousa, member of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Championship and Chairman of the Technical Committee, signalling the start of one of the championship’s key fixtures.
Community focus
Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, expressed gratitude for the leadership and continued support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in driving the event’s development as a community platform. He congratulated participants on their competitive spirit and noted the steady improvement in female athletes’ performances and preparation.
Al Falasi said increasing participation remains a central goal of the championship, with women’s involvement standing out as a highlight of the tenth edition. He noted that prize incentives continue to play a role in motivating both teams and individuals, while organisers seek new ways to raise levels of community engagement.
He also pointed to the inclusion of two women’s races in this edition as a reflection of the leadership’s vision to empower women across sectors, including sport. Continued support for women’s cycling, he said, aims to help athletes refine their skills and compete successfully at major events.
Championship season
Held under the slogan “Ten Years of Achievements and Success,” the 10th Al Salam Cycling Championship began last month with the Emirati Men’s Amateur Race, organised in cooperation with Dubai Police General Command under the theme “Safety and Security.” This was followed by the Elite Race, also known as HH The Ruler of Dubai Court Race, featuring experienced cyclists.
Desert races for men and women are scheduled for 31 January and 1 February respectively, with details of an additional race to be announced. The championship is organised in cooperation with 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 as General Referee, and Dubai Film.