Al-Shamili Crowned Champion of the Amateur Race in the Al-Salm Cycling Championship

Salem Al-Shamili from the Al-Shafaar Jumaira team secured first place in the Emirati men’s amateur race during the seventh season of the Al-Salm Cycling Championship. The championship is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and is organized by the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for Purchases and Finance, with total prize money reaching five million dirhams and comprising seven races across various categories aiming to involve more than 1,000 cyclists from different groups.

 

The competition in the Emirati men’s amateur race was fierce over a distance of 147 km in the Seih Al-Salm area of Al Marmoom, with 121 cyclists participating in both individual and team categories, including Dubai Police, Al-Wathba 1 and 2, Al-Shafaar Jumaira, Rabdan 1 and 2, Turk, and Yasi 1 and 2.

 

Salm Al-Shamili claimed first place and the champion’s prize of 200,000 dirhams. His teammate, Rashid Al-Balushi, finished second and received 150,000 dirhams, while Ahmed Hassan from Dubai Police came in third, winning a prize of 100,000 dirhams. The total prize money for this race amounted to one million dirhams.

 

Salm Al-Shamili is one of the top former cyclists of the national team, holding multiple titles, including the Arab Championship title in 2004 and three titles in the Gulf Cooperation Council Championship, along with several victories in local competitions. He is also the champion of the Nad Al-Sheba Sports Tournament in its latest edition. Al-Shamili has played for five clubs during his more than 20-year athletic career, starting at Ras Al Khaimah Club, then moving to Shabab Al Ahli, Al-Arabi, Al-Emirates, and Al-Nasr, in addition to having a professional stint with Sky Dive before retiring in 2015. He returned to cycling with the Al-Shafaar Jumaira team last season.

 

The event was attended by Omar bin Juma Al-Falasi, CEO of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for Purchases and Finance and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the championship, along with Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, and other members of the organizing committee.

 

Al-Falasi expressed his profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his unwavering support for the event and his directives for the continuation and development of the championship to include a larger number of categories, which motivates participants to deliver competitive performances worthy of the championship and under the watchful eye of His Highness. He also expressed happiness at the interaction from Emirati amateur participants, who were keen to arrive early for registration despite morning rain, emphasizing everyone’s desire to participate in the event even amid unstable weather conditions, which reflects the significance of this sport among young citizens and their commitment to improving their levels and competing through national teams or as individuals.

 

The head of the organizing committee praised the technical level demonstrated by the participants, which reflects the teams’ preparedness for the championship and their commitment to delivering their best performance, resulting in a strong and competitive start to the seventh season. He also appreciated the efforts of partners from government entities that are all committed to contributing to the success of this significant event and achieving its sporting and community goals.

 

The championship activities will continue today with the Emirati women’s race, extending over a distance of 107 kilometers in the Seih Al-Salm area of Al Marmoom.

 

**Results of the Emirati Men’s Amateur Race:**

– First: Salm Al-Shamili (200,000 dirhams)

– Second: Rashid Al-Balushi (150,000 dirhams)

– Third: Ahmed Hassan (100,000 dirhams)

 

*The Emirati women’s race will start today over a distance of 107 kilometers.*