This is Episode 4! Today’s episode gives a glimpse into the history of cycling in Dubai as I speak to the Race Director of the oldest mass participation cycling race in the United Arab Emirates, The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. I owe a lot to Dubai when it comes to cycling and this race was actually my very first ever. A race I did a week after buying my first bike, without a bike computer, clipped into for the second time ever! 

Now in its 14th year, I had the opportunity to speak with Stewart Howison, who has been there from the start. This year, race activities take place over 2 days. 24-25 February 2024 with the 92 km race - a UCI Gran Fondo World Series Qualifying Race-  taking place on the Sunday, all starting and finishing at Expo City Dubai. 

In this episode we chat through: 

🚲 The history of the race

🚲 What it means to be a UCI Gran Fondo World Series Qualifier 

🚲 Changes to the race this year 

🚲 The very popular Aster Big Five build up rides

🚲 Race safety 

🚲 The race route throughout Dubai

🚲 Race inclusivity including the TotalEnergies 35k outride, a ride I will be joining this year 

🚲 And the Active Giving Program which lets those racing plant trees for every KM they ride 

So if you are a UAE cyclist, past, present or future, I hope you enjoy this look back on the history of the race and if you are one of the many listeners we have across the world, I hope it inspires you to perhaps consider the race this year or in the coming years and perhaps visit us here in the UAE for a cycling holiday. 

🎙️As promised you can hear about how I went from Zero to Ultra in a little over three months on EP1 of The Mettleset Podcast. 

🚴🏿‍♀️ 🚴🏻‍♀️ 🚴🏾‍♀️ Register for the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, a cycle challenge for everyone, by visiting cyclechallenge.ae. Set for 24-25th February, 2024, the next edition includes three events (yes, really), all starting and ending at Expo City, Dubai. For more info on the Junior Rides, the 35 km TotalEnergies Outride and the 92 km Main Event, hop on over to @spinneysdubai92 on Instagram or visit cyclechallenge.ae.

If you liked this episode, please tap subscribe wherever you are listening. Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only. Check out The Mettleset Podcast  and follow @JustBikesThePodcast and @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.  

x Dawn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.