alsalamchampionship@hhpo.ae 
Trek M7” Tops Teams in the 5th Edition
Rashed Al Blooshi of “Trek M7” retained the title in the fifth edition of the Salam Cycling Championship “Amateur Category,” organized by the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Procurement and Finance, in the Al Marmoom protected area, with a prize pool of one million dirhams.
Al Blooshi covered the race distance of 127 kilometers in a time of 3:09:30 hours. Yasser Al Blooshi from the Dubai Police team came in second with a time of 3:09:33 hours, while Harb Ibrahim from “Trek M7” secured third place with a time of 3:13:41 hours.
The “Trek M7” team secured first place overall, with a combined time of its best three riders totaling 9:37:00 hours.
For his part, the CEO of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Procurement and Finance, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the championship, Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, for directing the organization of this championship and providing all means of success and support to make it a gathering for cycling enthusiasts and professionals from the UAE and the region, as well as residents.
Al Falasi praised the success of the first race of the fifth edition, which was organized in accordance with precautionary measures and protocols to ensure the safety of participants and organizers, featuring 71 Emirati competitors representing several national amateur teams or competing individually.
Al Falasi commended the technical levels displayed by participants, which revealed significant progress in the performance of Emirati cyclists. He noted their benefit from continuous training throughout the year and participating in qualifying races for the championship, as well as competing in this championship, which primarily aims to promote cycling culture, elevate the levels of practitioners, and benefit from the wide tracks built to the latest global specifications, allowing cyclists to pursue their hobby safely and away from vehicle traffic.
The fifth edition of the Salam Cycling Championship continues with a mountain biking race for professional and amateur Emirati men on December 22. This will be followed by a race for Emirati women amateurs on January 11, and the “Elite” professional category on January 12, including nationals and expatriates, with 10 participants from each country, totaling 80 competitors.
The finale will take place on January 25 with an amateur race for Emiratis, featuring 60 cyclists competing over a distance of 127 kilometers, with a prize pool of one million dirhams, which includes the top 20 finishers from the first race of the season, alongside a qualifying race to fill the remaining 40 spots.
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**Al Blooshi: The Race is Strong and Exciting**
The winner of the amateur Emirati race in the fifth edition of the Salam Cycling Championship, Rashed Mohammed Al Blooshi, stated that yesterday’s race was strong and exciting from start to finish.
In press statements, he said: “The race was difficult, and there was no easy stage throughout the 127 kilometers. Reaching the finish line in first place was not due to individual effort but was a collective effort from the (Trek M7) team.”
He added: “We are fortunate to have the Salam Cycling Championship, which includes the most valuable race in the world for amateurs, thanks to the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to develop this sport at the local level.”
**Top 3 Positions**
- First Place: Rashed Mohammed Al Blooshi (3:09:30 hours).
- Second Place: Yasser Juma Al Blooshi (3:09:33 hours).
- Third Place: Harb Ibrahim (3:13:41 hours).
• 71 competitors represented national teams of amateurs or competed individually in the race
