How Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is raising the bar with new races and Early Bird savings
New category aims to encourage more women into competitive cycling
DUBAI – The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge has officially launched registrations for its 17th edition, unveiling a series of new features designed to attract more riders and build on the growing popularity of cycling across the UAE.
Organised in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, the event returns with Early Bird pricing for the first time, a dedicated female-only race category and a reimagined race weekend at Expo City Dubai. The new season has already generated strong interest, with launch day registrations climbing 60 percent compared with last year, while nearly one in three entrants are taking part in the event for the first time.
The 2026/27 season follows a successful previous edition that attracted more than 7,000 participant entries across the race series. It will culminate in the iconic 92km Main Event on 7 February 2027, when thousands of cyclists will once again ride through Dubai's traffic-free streets in one of the Middle East's biggest amateur road cycling events.
Cycling in UAE
The sharp rise in registrations highlights the continued expansion of the UAE's cycling community, with newcomers accounting for 30 percent of those signing up on launch day. Organisers say the latest edition has been designed to appeal to riders of every level, from first-time participants and recreational cyclists to experienced competitors aiming for international qualification.
At the heart of the season is the return of the popular Aster BIG5 programme, built around the concept of "Five Rides. One Journey". The series offers cyclists a structured progression through four Build-Up Rides at Al Qudra Cycle Track before the fifth and final challenge, the flagship 92km race.
Participants in the Aster BIG5 will compete for leaderboards, series leader jerseys, prizes and competitions throughout the season, adding an extra competitive element while helping riders steadily increase their endurance and confidence ahead of the Main Event.
For the first time, organisers have introduced an Early Bird registration offer across both the Aster BIG5 and the Main Event. Cyclists registering before 16 August 2026 can secure the Aster BIG5 package for Dh525 instead of the standard Dh585, offering an incentive for riders to commit early to the full season.
Build-up rides
The Build-Up Ride calendar has also been confirmed, giving participants a clear training pathway over several months.
The schedule begins with Build-Up Ride 1 on Sunday, 13 September 2026, followed by Build-Up Ride 2 on Sunday, 18 October. Riders will then return for Build-Up Ride 3 on Sunday, 22 November before completing the final preparation event on Saturday, 9 January 2027.
The season will reach its climax during a two-day cycling festival on 6 and 7 February 2027 at Expo City Dubai. Organisers are introducing a completely refreshed race village concept, bringing together cyclists, families, sponsors and visitors for a weekend featuring entertainment, community activities, partner activations and shared experiences.
The 92km Main Event will take place on Sunday, 7 February, offering participants the opportunity to tackle Dubai's traffic-free roads whether they are attempting the distance for the first time, pursuing a personal milestone, representing a cycling club, supporting a charity campaign or competing as part of a corporate team.
Women's category
One of the biggest additions for the 17th edition is a new female-only race category during the Aster BIG5 Build-Up Rides. The initiative includes a dedicated female start pen, giving women the opportunity to race together in a more focused and supportive environment.
Organisers say the new category has been created to encourage greater participation and visibility for female cyclists across all experience levels. It is aimed at riders entering their first organised road cycling event, returning participants, cycling clubs and groups of friends looking to ride together while building confidence through the season.
The dedicated category is expected to strengthen female representation within the UAE cycling community while making the Build-Up Rides more accessible to newcomers.
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge
Beyond the local cycling experience, the Main Event will continue to serve as an official qualifier for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, attracting competitive riders from across the UAE and overseas.
The top 25 percent of riders in every age category will secure qualification for the 2027 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Haute-Savoie, France, giving amateur cyclists the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
Held under the auspices of Dubai Sports Council and supported by Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police and Expo City Dubai as strategic partners, the challenge has established itself as one of the region's leading amateur road cycling competitions.
This year's edition will also introduce team entries, allowing cycling clubs, companies, friendship groups and community organisations to participate collectively throughout the season. Riders can also expect a new range of official event merchandise, extending the event experience from the opening Build-Up Ride through to race weekend.
Warwick Gird, General Manager of Marketing at Spinneys, said every participant arrives with a different motivation, whether it is chasing faster times, riding with friends, completing a first major cycling challenge or working towards qualification for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
He said the 2026/27 season has been designed to bring more of that spirit to life through the return of the Aster BIG5, the introduction of team entries, the launch of the female-only race category and an expanded race weekend at Expo City Dubai.
Now in its 17th edition, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge has grown into the UAE's premier road cycling event, welcoming thousands of cyclists every year, from elite competitors to first-time riders. Built around its flagship 92km race and supported by progressive Build-Up Rides, the annual event continues to reflect Dubai's wider commitment to promoting active lifestyles, community participation and world-class sporting experiences.