
Lotte Kopecky and Aisha Foulad crowned champions of the “Women’s Elite Race” in the Al Salam 8th Championship
Under the patronage and presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Lotte Kopecky from Shabab Al Ahli team was crowned champion of the elite category, and Aisha Foulad from the “My Wash” team won the title in the Emirati women amateurs category. This took place in the “Women’s Race” held on Sunday, February 3, as part of the eighth edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, organized by the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai.
His Excellency Omair Bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Championship, inaugurated the race and followed the competition. The race was also attended by His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, and members of the Supreme Organizing Committee.
Sheikha Mediyah bint Hasher Al Maktoum, champion of the 2021 and 2023 editions, led the “My Wash” team to victory in the Emirati women amateurs category, supporting and motivating the participants throughout the race. Aisha Foulad from the “My Wash” team claimed first place in the Emirati women amateurs category, followed by Moza Al Ghaffali from the same team in second, and Ghayya Al Mahrazi from Airworks Racing in third. My Wash team secured the top spot, followed by Al Wathba in second and Airworks in third. Moza Salem Al Mansoori from Al Wathba won first place in the over 40s category, while Aisha Foulad claimed first place in the “mid-race speed” challenge.
In the elite category, Lotte Kopecky from Shabab Al Ahli came in first place, followed by Lorena Wiebes from Dubai Police in second and Petra Jonko from Dubai Police in third. Dubai Police took first place in the team rankings, Shabab Al Ahli came in second, and Salt team in third. Lotte Kopecky also won first place in the “mid-race speed” challenge, while Heily von Echt from Bon Racing secured first place in the over 40s category.
The race covered a distance of 108 km in the Saih Al Salam area within the Al Marmoom Nature Reserve, with the participation of 150 cyclists in two categories. The elite category included 112 participants, both residents and invitees from outside the UAE, with teams from GCC countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq for the first time, along with Emirati women.
The number of nationalities represented by the participants increased from 21 to 36, with 23 teams taking part in this edition.
His Excellency Omair Bin Juma AlFalasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Championship, expressed his deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his presence and unlimited support of the Al Salam Cycling Championship. He emphasized the importance of promoting women’s sports, which has greatly contributed to the success of the women’s race. He said, “We commend the outstanding performance of the participants who showcased their best throughout the race. We have made sure to combine both professional and amateur categories in the same race, as this provides our athletes the opportunity to compete alongside professionals and learn from their performance, thus increasing their experience.”
He added, “All participants performed up to expectations, delivering a beautiful competitive scene despite the windy conditions, which added an extra layer of challenge.”
Belgian cyclist Lotte Kopecky, from Shabab Al Ahli, who won first place in the individual elite women’s race, expressed her happiness with the victory in this tough competition. She noted that this race serves as excellent preparation for her and her team ahead of the UAE Tour Women, which takes place from February 8 to 11.
Emirati cyclist Aisha Foulad from “My Wash,” who won first place in the Emirati women amateurs category, expressed her delight at achieving the title for the first time after participating in several previous editions. She said, “I am overjoyed. Every year I participate but have not succeeded in securing first place before. I worked hard to achieve my goal this time, and with the cooperation of my teammates and after undergoing many training camps, both domestic and abroad, I was able to help secure the first and second places for our team.”
Foulad extended her gratitude to Sheikha Mediyah bint Hasher bin Mani Al Maktoum for her support and to her coach Yousif Mirza for his continued efforts with the team, which resulted in this achievement.
Conclusion with the “Desert Race” on February 11
The eighth season of the Al Salam Cycling Championship will conclude with the “Al Salam Desert Race” on February 11. This will be the fourth race after the Elite Race, which spanned 182 km from Hatta, won by Slovenian Luka Mezgec from the Shabab Al Ahli team, the “Race to Space” for UAE amateur cyclists, won by Rashid Al Baloushi from “Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s team,” covering 148 km from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, and the Women’s Race, which concluded on Sunday. The total prize money allocated for winners across the four races amounts to AED 3.5 million.