
Mirza Crowned Champion of the Mountain Biking Race for Elite
Emirati champion Yusuf Mirza was crowned the winner of the mountain biking race for professionals yesterday as part of the fifth edition of the Salam Cycling Championship, organized by the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Procurement and Finance.
Mirza completed the 32-kilometer race in a time of 1:05:57 hours. Majid Al-Balooshi came in second with a time of 1:06:37 hours, while Mohammed Al-Mansoori took third place, finishing in 1:09:24 hours.
Rashed Al-Balooshi secured first place in the amateur category, finishing the distance in a time of 1:06:37 hours. Khalid Ma’ayouf came in second with a time of 1:09:51 hours, and Tarek Obaid took third with a time of 1:13:18 hours.
The race witnessed wide participation from local cyclists, with a total of 150 participants, including 131 amateurs and 19 professionals.
A statement from the organizing committee confirmed that the technical level of the race was high, showcasing participants’ impressive skills in navigating the dunes and obstacles along the 32 km course in the Seih Al-Salam area, which passed through the Al Marmoom Nature Reserve, the largest natural reserve in the world.
The statement noted: “The organizing committee, headed by the CEO of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Procurement and Finance, Omair bin Jumaa Al-Falasi, along with media committee chair Majid Al-Bustaki, financial and promotional committee head Rami Al-Nabulsi, and logistics committee head Mohammed Al-Mousa, provided all the elements of success for the event, including the ‘Salam Village’, a comprehensive sports village that hosted the start and finish lines, featuring pavilions for participating companies and teams, as well as media studios. The race course was designed to allow spectators in the village to follow the competitors as they passed by several times.”
The president of the UAE Cycling Federation, Mansour Bou Aseeba, attended the race and signaled the start for the competitors at the starting line.
For his part, Omair Al-Falasi expressed his deepest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the State, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, for his directives to organize the races and his generous sponsorship of the event and participants, encouraging them to present their best performances, thus affirming the status of sports in the UAE, particularly cycling.
Al-Falasi stated in press remarks: “Cycling has become an integral part of the daily life of the citizens and residents of the UAE, thanks to the availability of safe paths and modern tracks for all types of races and training, and also in spreading the culture of exercising as a daily lifestyle.”
He also praised the participants’ performance and expressed his admiration for their levels and the beautiful spirit of competition that was evident from the start of the race until reaching the finish line, achieving the race’s objectives and providing an opportunity for enthusiasts of this type of cycling to develop their skills and have an unforgettable experience.
________________________________________
**Mirza: The Race Presented a Significant Challenge to Participants**
Mountain biking champion Yusuf Mirza affirmed that his victory in the final meters reflects the intensity of competition he faced from the duo: Rashed Al-Balooshi and Majid Al-Balooshi.
In press statements after the award ceremony, he said: “The start of the race was the hardest, and my first lap was tactical. I managed to get through the first phase safely, which helped me surpass the group of participating cyclists.”
He added: “The final numbers of the race confirm that the speed rates were high, despite the rough road conditions and the long sandy trails, which posed a tough challenge for the participants. I enjoyed the experience, and all the participants enjoyed this unique race.”
He continued: “The participation of a group of professional cyclists added value to the race and was a gain for amateur cyclists to gain exposure and benefit from their expertise in such races.”
Yusuf Mirza praised the sponsorship and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the Salam Cycling Championship, along with his directives to launch this unique race in a wonderful and beautiful area, showcasing the beauty of the desert nature that the UAE enjoys.