AD Ports Group Gran Fondo Returns in December as UCI Qualifying Event
Abu Dhabi's prestigious cycling competition achieves international recognition, offering riders the opportunity to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships
The AD Ports Group Gran Fondo will commence on 20th December 2026, welcoming hundreds of accomplished cyclists from across the United Arab Emirates and beyond to participate in a distinguished 154-kilometre race. The event will commence at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, traversing the remarkable landscape of the emirate before concluding at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.
Since its inception in 2022 as the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo, this celebrated competition has evolved into a preeminent amateur cycling event of considerable international standing. The previous edition attracted participants representing 68 nationalities, a testament to the event’s burgeoning global appeal and Abu Dhabi’s emerging prominence as a world class cycling destination.
The 2026 edition marks a momentous milestone, as the event has secured official status within the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. This distinction affords participants an exceptional opportunity: qualification for the prestigious UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. The UCI Gran Fondo World Series encompasses approximately 35 events worldwide, with the top 25 percent of riders within each age category earning coveted places at the international championship.
The competition embodies an inclusive ethos, welcoming both competitive and recreational cyclists alike. Whether seasoned athletes or dedicated amateurs, all participants may embrace the guiding principle of Cycling for All, ensuring that the event celebrates both athletic excellence and community engagement. The 2026 edition will offer a remarkable total prize purse of AED2 million, complemented by distinguished in-kind prizes.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, articulated the significance of this progression: the event’s inclusion in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series represents a pivotal advancement and underscores Abu Dhabi’s ascendant position within international cycling circles. The carefully curated route from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi showcases the emirate’s diverse destinations and landmarks, whilst the event itself substantiates Abu Dhabi’s steadfast commitment to cultivating sporting excellence and encouraging all members of the community to embrace sport as an integral component of their lifestyle.
Source: WAM