Cyclists prepare for RAK race dusty Dubai track

DUBAI // More than 100 cyclists pedalled through windy weather and sandstorms in Al Qudra on Friday morning in preparation for Cycle for a cause, a 70km ride that will be held on March 6 in Ras Al Khaimah.

The RAKBank ride was introduced to encourage more people to join in the growing sport of cycling in the country. It aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage team spirit, as well as highlighting RAK as a cycling destination.

Peter England, the chief executive of RAKBank, and employees participated in the warm-up.

“It was a good practise today. Although the weather was not that great, we hope to encourage more people to sign up for our cycling event in RAK next month.”

RAKBank employees rode their bicycles with members of the Cycle Safe Dubai group.

Cycle for a cause is divided into two courses, a corporate course and an individual course.

The former will be based on teams of four cyclists from each company having to finish three laps (with a total distance of 22.8km) in the fastest time to win.

Proceeds from the corporate event will go to the Red Crescent.

The individual course is 70km in length and is open to those 18 and over.

Masood Khan completed 65km in Friday’s ride and will compete in the individual course in March. He said: “It was fantastic today. I finished 65km, my best effort so far. It will be a great build-up for next month’s event.”

RAKBank branches across the UAE participated in a 17km ride to support The National’s #cycletoworkuae campaign on January 13.

Next month’s event will start at and end at Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Al Marjan Island, in RAK.

tzriqat@thenational.ae