Abu Dhabi Lays Out 204km Cycling Route
Abu Dhabi unveiled a 204km racing circuit which the country will use to host the first Cycling Race of Champions this coming November. Described by its organizers as the biggest 'Grand Slam' event for this popular sport, the race will feature a whopping US$1 million grand prize, as well as challenging routes that will showcase major attractions in the UAE, including Jebel Hafeet - their tallest peak, which tops out at 1,340m / 4,400 ft. The event is expected to run for a total of ten days, and will consist of three stages. Abu Dhabi is launching the race as part of program to reduce dependence on their oil reserves as the sole economic driver. Other efforts include a successful bit to host a Formula One Grand Prix starting in 2009. Organizers are expecting well over one hundred thousand people to attend the multi-day event.
Stage Details
Stage One: 100km route that will loop around Abu Dhabi Island, and the downtown city center. The route is expected to start and end at the seven star Emirates Palace Hotel.
Stage Two: 82km route which begins on the border with Oman and heads north east into the mountains.
Stage Three: 22km stage that will showcase of Abu Dhabi Corniche. Like the first state, the route will start and end at the Emirates Palace Hotel.
