The President of the International Cycling Union confirmed,
Frenchman David Lapartine said that the UAE has established its position as an international center for cycling, and continues to work vigorously to achieve more success in this aspect, by hosting international championships and developing infrastructure according to the highest international standards.
He pointed out that the success of the World Urban Championship, currently being held in Abu Dhabi, for the seventh time, made it exceptional by all standards, and this contributed to expanding the horizon towards further development of the championship, whether through competitions or the numbers of participants.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Lapartine said that the International Cycling Federation has promising future plans with Abu Dhabi to expand the base of its events and activities within the Emirates, as it has become an icon in this regard, and this success has inspired many to benefit from the approach followed in developing infrastructure. and hosting specialized tournaments, in order to promote cycling as a sport and a sustainable lifestyle.
Lapartine revealed that there are plans to establish a branch of the International Cycling Union in Abu Dhabi, following the completion of the track being constructed on Al Hudayriat Island, in addition to establishing specialized academies under the supervision of the Union.
He added that Abu Dhabi has become a role model among all cities in the world, and we see here the UAE Tour for men and women, and now the World Urban Cycling Championship, as well as Grand Fondo and track racing, as this diversity reflects the clear vision of providing distinctive opportunities for cyclists, whether for sport or sports. Navigation.
Regarding the development projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the President of the International Cycling Union said that what we see in terms of infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai confirms that they are working according to a clearly defined strategy, and with a high level of quality in all roads designated for bicycles, which gives the two cities an exceptional and distinctive international character. this sector.
He added that Abu Dhabi announced the establishment of a Velodrome track, which includes an indoor track and another on the roof of a building connected to the ground, and other pioneering projects in road development, as well as in Dubai, there are many projects to become promising and exceptional models for making cycling sustainable in the Emirates.
The President of the International Federation pointed out that the Federation welcomes the permanent cooperation with the Emirates, as work is constantly being done to expand the horizon of this cooperation, through the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, or the Emirates Cycling Federation, as we aim to build sustainable and long-term cooperation through holding international championships, or signing agreements. Which would develop work mechanisms, discover talent, and other things that support this sport.
Lapartine pointed out that although the summer period is not suitable for cycling, there is a period ranging between six and nine months of the year during which bicycles can be used at various levels.
It is a suitable period for everyone to hold activities or use it to move within cities.
Regarding the UAE’s support for women in cycling, he said that the UAE has made remarkable progress in this aspect, whether through the establishment of the UAE Women’s World Team or the UAE Women’s Tour, as well as the great local support for female athletes, until Safia Al Sayegh qualified as the first Emirati female cyclist to the 2024 Paris Olympics. .
Regarding the criteria that the International Federation considers when choosing Abu Dhabi to host events such as world championships, he said that the infrastructure, including roads and government support, as well as logistical support, and all of these things are strongly available in Abu Dhabi and the Emirates, which makes us look at Abu Dhabi as the main preferred destination for organizing the Federation’s championships. International.
Regarding the growth of cycling at the international level, David Lapartine said that although the roots of this sport go back to Europe, it is expanding globally, and the UAE is a prime example of this growth and expansion, as we look forward to holding the first world championship in Africa. It has already been confirmed, and it will be held in Rwanda next year, which makes this a milestone in the history of the game.
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