This year’s Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, held in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, got off to a flying start with a record-breaking number of participants competing in its first Build-Up Ride.

Over 700 cyclists signed up to take part in the 35km race in preparation for the main event in February 2023, with organisers confirming new additions to the local classic as riders set the tone for a competitive and fun-filled cycling season at the Al Qudra Track.

The Aster Pharmacy BIG 5 sign-ups also saw a dramatic increase from last year, with more than 500 cyclists registering to compete in all five races over the next few months. As a result of the renewed and increased interest in the competition, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge has created a new way for participants to secure the coveted leader jerseys – now officially recognizing two age categories across male and female riders.

Cyclists between the ages of 16 and 44 will fall under the “Open Category,” and will compete for the traditional yellow leader jersey. Meanwhile, a brand-new “Vets Category” will allow riders who are 45 years old and above to cycle it out for a first-of-its-kind blue leader’s jersey. Those in the Vets Category are still in the running for the traditional jersey, though, as the overall Aster Pharmacy BIG 5 leader will ride in yellow regardless of his or her age category.

Build-Up Ride 2 of this year’s Aster Pharmacy BIG 5 is already fast-approaching, with the next stage of the season taking place on Sunday, October 30th. The second race will see the leaders from Build-Up Ride 1 sporting their jerseys, with Lian Aucamp from Beyond the Bike Team – returning champion from last year’s U23 Elite Category – leading the way in the men’s Open Category and Lorraine Mullarkey heading up the women’s Open division.

Rene van Woerkom will be the inaugural owner of the blue leader’s jersey for the men’s Vets Category, and will ride alongside Claire Martin, who is currently at the top of the all-new leaderboard for the Vets women division.

As one of the region’s premium sporting events, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is joined by Giant Bicycles, official Bike Partner, and GRIT + TONIC.com, the official sport nutrition partner for this year’s event.

“Giant Bicycles and the Al Boom Marine team is really excited to be the Official Bicycle partner of Spinneys92 for the 5th consecutive year.  As leaders in the cycling industry, Giant recognizes the importance of this event on the region’s sports calendar and its importance on building an active and positive cycling community.” Said Leonard Erlank, COO of Al Boom Marine, official Distributor for Giant Bicycles in GCC.