Hundreds of residents cycle to raise money for charity
ajman- — Hundreds of people took part in an annual cycling event in Ajman, which raised Dh20,300 to support Al Jalila Foundation.
The second edition of Ride Ajman, organised by the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) and held under the patronage of chairman of ATDD, Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi saw more than 600 cyclists and 150 riders as participants.
Starting on the Ajman Corniche, the cyclists took on the newly expanded 104km route and the 52km National Development Race. They were cheered on by friends, family and residents as they sped off to Al Tallah Camel Racecourse to win Dh184,000 in cash after a fierce competition.
First place in 104km national category was awarded to Mohammed Almurawwi with a time of 2:15:36. Abudlaziz Nesser Alkhuwaytim won the male 1949 category in the 104km Open Race with a time of 2:16:12 and Yvonne van Hattum from The Netherlands won the female 1949 category in the 104km Open Race with a time of 2:45:28
Marc Adam won the senior category in the 104km Open Race with a time of 2:19.50 and Dee Boys won the senior female category with a time of 2:54:55. The junior title for the 104km was awarded to Ahmed Nazzer, aged 16 as he finished the race in 2:19:50. All winners took home a staggering Dh10,000 each in prize money and further prizes were awarded for second and third place in the same categories.
Meanwhile, 150 cyclists participated in the 7km charity ride which took place on the Ajman Corniche, raising Dh20,300 for the Al Jalila Foundation.
Over 50 UAE nationals participated in the 52km National Development Race, a new category added this year to encourage cycling among the Emiratis. In the male category Ahmad Almheiri finished the race first in 1:09:07 and in the female category Suhaila Bin Belaila came first with a time of 01:34:43, both taking home Dh10,000.
Faisal Al Nuaimi, general manager of ATDD, said: “The Ride Ajman has now become a key sporting event in the UAE calendar and it would not have been possible without the support from our logistic sponsors — Ajman Police, Ajman Civil Defence and Group 32, our corporate sponsor, Ajman Bank; the UAE Cyclist Federation and of course our volunteers. We hope everyone had a great weekend and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year. The event has been fantastic and the turn-out is thrilling.”
Mohammed Amiri, CEO, Ajman Bank said: “We continue to show our support for events that position Ajman as a key sporting destination and Ride Ajman is a testament to just that. We look forward to working with everyone for years to come as we grow this event further.”
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com