Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge returns for its 17th edition

Dubai: Held in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge has officially launched its 17th Edition, inviting cyclists across the UAE to begin a new season of training, community and progression. Launch day registrations for the 2026/27 season were up 60% versus last year, with 30% of entrants taking part in the event for the first time, the organisers said. The 2025/26 season saw over 7,000 entries across the race series, while the 2026/27 edition will build towards the iconic 92km main event on 7 February 2027, where riders will once again take on Dubai’s traffic-free streets. The Aster BIG5 once again gives cyclists “Five Rides. One Journey”, providing a structured pathway to build distance, confidence and community connection across four progressive Build-Up Rides at Al Qudra Cycle Track before taking on the fifth and final ride: the 92km main event. Across the season, riders taking part in the Aster BIG5 can look forward to competitive leaderboards, series leader jerseys, prizes and competitions, adding an extra layer of motivation and excitement throughout the journey to the main event, said organisers. The Early Bird offer across both the Aster BIG5 and main race registrations gives riders the opportunity to secure their place early for the 2026/27 season. The Aster BIG5 Early Bird entry is priced at AED 525, down from the standard price of AED 585, and is available until 16 August 2026. The confirmed Build-Up Ride schedule is as follows: Build-Up Ride 1: Sunday 13 September 2026 Build-Up Ride 2: Sunday 18 October 2026 Build-Up Ride 3: Sunday 22 November 2026 Build-Up Ride 4: Saturday 9 January 2027 The season will culminate in a major race weekend on 6–7 February 2027 at Expo City Dubai, with a new race village concept bringing together riders, families, partners and the wider community for a weekend of cycling, entertainment, activations and shared experiences. On 7 February 2027, riders will take on the 92km main event, riding through Dubai’s traffic-free streets together. Whether it is a first 92km challenge, a personal milestone, a club ride, a charity effort, a corporate team experience or a return to the start line stronger than before, the main event celebrates every rider’s reason to ride. The Main Event will continue to serve as a qualifier for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, attracting competitive cyclists from across the UAE and beyond and giving riders the opportunity to race for a place on the international stage. The top 25% of riders in each age category will qualify for the 2027 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Haute-Savoie, France. For the 17th Edition, the Aster BIG5 Build-Up Rides will introduce a new female-only race category and dedicated female start pen, creating a more focused and supportive race experience for women within the UAE cycling community. The new category gives female riders the opportunity to line up, race and ride together in a dedicated environment, with greater visibility on the start line and within the wider event experience. Whether riders are brand new to Build-Up Rides, joining with friends or a club, returning after previous editions or taking on their first major road cycling event, the female-only category has been designed to encourage participation, confidence and representation for women of all levels. Under the auspices of Dubai Sports Council, and supported by Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police and Expo City Dubai as strategic partners, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge continues to be one of the Middle East’s leading amateur road cycling events, bringing together riders from across the UAE and beyond for a full season of cycling, community and competition. The 17th Edition will also welcome team entries, giving clubs, colleagues, friends and community groups the chance to ride together and take on the season as a collective challenge. Riders can also look forward to an exciting new range of official event merchandise, adding to the full season experience from the Aster BIG5 Build-Up Rides through to Main Event weekend. Warwick Gird, General Manager, Marketing, Spinneys, said: “Every rider comes to the start line with a different story. Some are chasing speed, some are riding with friends, some are taking on their first major challenge, and some are building towards the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. That is what makes the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge so special. For 2026/27, we’re bringing more of that spirit to life across the season, from the Aster BIG5 and team entries to our new female-only race category and a bigger race weekend experience at Expo City Dubai. More information and registration available at cyclechallenge.ae; updates on Instagram @spinneysdubai92