Dubai is set to make cycling history in 2025 as it hosts the inaugural L'Etape Dubai cycling race by Tour de France on 2 February. The event — part of the world's largest amateur cycling series — gives riders the chance to experience the spirit and heritage of the Tour de France without turning professional.
What Is L'Etape Dubai?
L'Etape (French for "the stage") is an internationally recognised amateur cycling series held under the Tour de France banner. The Dubai edition is the series' debut in the Middle East, bringing a global sporting tradition to the UAE for the first time.
Organised by Belton and Be Cool Events Company in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council and proudly supported by Škoda Cars, the race is already being positioned as an annual fixture on the UAE's sporting calendar.
Event Schedule and Race Categories
L'Etape Dubai is a two-day event:
- 1 February 2025 — Kids Race and Family Ride - 2 February 2025 — L'Etape Dubai main race (110 km) and The Ride (60 km)
Routes pass through Dubai's most recognisable landmarks and attractions, giving amateur cyclists a visually spectacular backdrop for their challenge.
Announcement and Key Officials
The inaugural edition was announced at a press conference held at the Dubai Sports Council. Among those in attendance was Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, along with members of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce. Officials confirmed that more than 50 cyclists had already committed to the race at the time of announcement, with the official L'Etape Dubai jersey — featuring the Dubai skyline — unveiled at the event.
Ali Omar Al Balooshi of the Dubai Sports Council's Directorate of Sports Events underlined the event's significance, noting that the race would drive sports tourism and strengthen Dubai's growing cycling sector. He added that carefully selected routes would allow participants to enjoy Dubai's architecture and cultural heritage while competing.
How to Register
Warm-up races and training sessions are expected to begin in September ahead of the main event. Registration is open throughout the year with the following deadlines:
- The Ride (60 km): Registration closes 30 September - The Race (110 km): Registration closes 31 December
Organisers expect more than 2,000 riders to participate, making this one of the largest amateur cycling gatherings in the history of the Middle East.
Dubai's Growing Cycling Scene
L'Etape Dubai is the latest milestone in Dubai's ambition to become a world-class destination for sporting events. By attracting an internationally branded race with deep ties to the Tour de France, the emirate continues to expand its appeal to active tourists and elite amateur athletes from around the globe.
