
Farah Al Marri Wins the First Salam Championship for Women in Cycling
Farah Al Marri was crowned champion of the women’s race at the Salam Cycling Championship yesterday, held under the directives and sponsorship of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the State, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and organized by his office for Procurement and Finance.
The race was designated for Emirati girls in the “amateur” category who are not affiliated with any club, with over 40 participants. Ruqaya Ahmed finished in second place, while Mariam Ali Al-Awadhi took third.
Farah Al Marri expressed her happiness at winning the first title of the Salam Championship for Women, emphasizing her determination to complete the race in the lead despite the difficulty and fatigue.
In press statements, Farah said, “I entered cycling races thanks to the support of my uncle, cycling coach Abdullah Suwaidan, who played a significant role in encouraging me to participate in the race.” She noted that she had been training for four months, preparing to participate in the Salam Cycling Championship for no less than two hours daily.
On his part, the CEO of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for Procurement and Finance and head of the organizing committee, Omair bin Juma Al-Falasi, praised the participation of Emirati girls in the amateur category, confirming that they displayed remarkable levels in this first and trial version of the women’s cycling race for amateurs.
He stated in press remarks: “Despite the strong winds and the difficulty of the race, the level presented by Emirati girls confirms the spread of cycling among the community in general, and among women in particular.”
He added: “These girls receive encouragement from their families to practice sports, and they have opportunities to train and develop their skills on world-class tracks spread across various areas in Dubai, particularly in the Salam area. I am confident that this race will serve as an additional motivation for them to develop their levels and gain more experience to continue their competitive journey on a larger scale.”
Meanwhile, the elite men’s race is set to take place today at noon, covering a distance of 127 kilometers, with 100 cyclists of various nationalities from inside the country and from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Among the participants are some prominent figures in UAE cycling, including Yusuf Mirza, Majid Al-Balooshi, Mohammed Al-Mansoori, Mohammed Hassan Al-Marwi, Jabir Al-Mansoori, Khalid Ma’ayouf, and Ahmed Yusuf Al-Mansoori. This group secured their spots based on their advanced results in last season’s elite race.
A number of prominent cyclists from UAE clubs will also participate, including Talal Al-Balooshi, Abdullah Al-Istiad, Mohammed Al-Mutayoui, Abdulrahman Al-Balooshi, Saif Al-Kaabi, Abdullah Jassim, Harib Mahraab, Hamad Al-Muhairi, Rashed Al-Mansoori, Rashed Suwaidan, Hamad Al-Tawash, Zayed Al-Obaidli, Ali Al-Husani, Nawaf Ahmed, and Abdullah Al-Mary.
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**Al-Jasmi: The Race Succeeded Technically and Organizationally**
Noura Al-Jasmi, head of the women’s committee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Cycling Federation, confirmed that the first Salam Championship for Women was executed perfectly, both in terms of organization and technical aspects.
In press remarks, she said: “The race recorded a special achievement with all the competitors completing the 50-kilometer distance to the finish line.”
**Ruqaya Ahmed: I Aspire to Compete with Professionals**
Ruqaya Ahmed, the Emirati cyclist who finished in second place, expressed her hope that the women’s race for the Salam Championship next year would see the participation of professionals alongside amateurs.
In press statements, she said: “We aim to gain experience from competing with these types of professional athletes affiliated with clubs. I don’t believe that the participating girls’ main goal is to win the title, but rather to have strong competition and gain exposure.”
She added: “The turnout of girls participating in the first Salam Championship indicates that the culture of cycling has expanded significantly, thanks to the support that the sport receives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who directed the establishment of advanced tracks that have attracted hundreds of citizens and residents to practice cycling.”
**Anan Al-Amiri: I Couldn’t Believe It When I Saw Mohammed Bin Rashid Checking on My Health**
Anan Al-Amiri, a member of the Al-Wathba Cycling Team, stated that she felt a strong urge to complete the Salam Championship for Women, despite attempts by doctors to treat her after she collided with another competitor’s bike.
Anan had suffered a strong impact to her face while participating in the women’s race at the Salam Cycling Championship, which took place yesterday for the first time for “amateur” female citizens. She finished in ninth place among the participating athletes.
She told “Emirates Today”: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum standing to check on my health. The first thing I thought of when I saw him was to complete the race until the end.”
She noted: “His Highness’s concern gave me the determination and will to continue and be at the forefront of the race, despite what happened to me. I aimed to achieve a good result for His Highness, who always stands as a model for every Emirati girl and young man for success and creativity.”
She continued: “He was keen to ensure my safety, like any father checking on his daughter. I am very grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his support for women in general and for women’s sports in particular.”
Anan revealed that she had been preparing for the Salam Championship for two months, saying: “This is the first time I participate in open road races, but I participated in a triathlon last year and gained good experience.”
She added: “The beauty of the Salam Championship will motivate me to prepare well in advance for next year. I want to be the champion next year for a race that progresses splendidly to be the best among women’s cycling races in the country.”
The elite men’s race will take place today at noon, covering a distance of 127 kilometers, with 100 cyclists participating.