Thousands race through Dubai in Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2025
Top 25 percent qualify for UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Australia
DUBAI: The 15th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge took over the streets of Dubai, with more than 1,700 cyclists competing in the 92km main race and over 7,000 participants across various categories throughout the weekend.
Held in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, the event saw elite athletes, amateur riders, and families come together for an electrifying celebration of cycling.
The 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier featured an intense 96.4km course, starting and finishing at Expo City Dubai. Riders tackled a route that included key Dubai landmarks such as Global Village, DMCC/Jumeirah Lake Towers, Tilal Al Ghaf, Springs, and Jumeirah Golf Estates. The traffic-free ride allowed competitors to push their limits while enjoying the scenic cityscape.
Francesco Lamon claimed the elite men’s title with a time of 2:01:47, narrowly beating Maksim Orekhov and Jasper Verkuijl, who finished just seconds behind.
In the elite women’s category, Makhabbat Umutzhanova took the top spot with a finishing time of 2:01:49, followed closely by Ebtissam Zayed and Akvile Gedraityte.
Both Lamon and Umutzhanova took home Dh10,000 from the Dh36,000 prize pool.
Aster Pharmacy BIG 5 winners crowned
The Aster Pharmacy BIG 5 competition concluded with Shaun Carey and Helle Bachofen Von Echt emerging as the overall male and female champions, securing the prestigious Yellow Jersey in the 45+ category. Carey crossed the finish line in 2:01:49, while Bachofen Von Echt completed the course in 2:02:26.
In the Open Category, Emmauel Cabanas and Tania Rodrigues claimed victory, with Cabanas clocking 2:01:49 and Rodrigues finishing in 2:02:28. Meanwhile, Simon Cox and Adriana Sanchez dominated the Vets Category, earning the Blue Jerseys with finishing times of 2:01:51 and 2:15:46, respectively.
Junior riders and family-friendly events
The excitement wasn’t limited to elite cyclists. The InstaShop Junior Rides welcomed nearly 1,000 young riders to the track on Saturday, February 22, making it one of the most vibrant junior races to date.
Meanwhile, The Live Well Outride returned with a 35km family-friendly course and a 12km shortcut option, allowing cyclists of all levels to experience the thrill of racing. Riders of all ages set off from Expo City Dubai, enjoying a morning of cycling before heading to the Spinneys Eat Well Live Well Village for post-race celebrations.
A lucky winner drives away in style
One of the standout moments of the event was an unexpected grand prize giveaway. Jetour surprised a lucky participant from The Live Well Outride with a brand-new Jetour X50, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Record numbers and a bright future
With over 7,000 participants across various events, the 2025 edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge marked a new milestone for the Middle East’s premier cycling competition. More than 346 cyclists secured their qualification for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Lorne, Australia, underscoring the event’s growing significance on the international stage.
Stewart Howison, Race Director of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, expressed his excitement over the event’s success. “This year has been extraordinary, with record-breaking participation and an incredible atmosphere. We are especially proud to see so many riders qualify for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. A huge thank you to the RTA, Dubai Police, and the Dubai Sports Council for their support over the past 15 years. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2026 edition.”