Samah wins title after split-seconds verdict

DUBAI — A solid field of Emirati and expatriate amateur cyclists took part in the inaugural Dubai Women’s Tour ‘Celebrating the Dubai Women’s Tour 2020 Challenge Race’ — Dubai Studio City sponsored race one.

Friday’s race was contested over a 90-kms route surrounded by Sharjah’s stunning Al Nazwa sand dunes. Open to all amateur cyclists, the series is a celebration of cycling leading into the first-ever Women’s-only professional cycling race in the Middle East – The Dubai Women’s Tour.

In a thrilling sprint finish, split-seconds separated the top three competitors in the Open Female category with Samah Khaled (2:19:35:299) crossing the line ahead of Safia Al Sayegh (2:19:35:619), followed by Annemiek Stegehuis (2:19:36).

Vladimir Gusev (2:18:58) took honours in the Open Male category ahead of Sam Stollery (2:19:01) with Rex Carino (2:19:34) crossing the line to take third-place. Khalfan Al Sabri (2:19:34:225), Mansoor Thani (2:19:34:252) and Yasser Al Blooshi (2:19:34:629) were determined to take the top podium spot as UAE Amateur Male finishing the 90-km race in a dramatic sprint for the line which saw Al Sabri claim victory, Thani taking second and Al Blooshi third.