SHARJAH: The sixth edition of Sharjah International Cycling Tour will be held from Jan.24 to 27 across some of the emirate’s most iconic landmarks.

Riders from 19 teams representing different countries will battle for glory. Four Pro Continental, nine Continental and five national teams will be in the fray, with contestants out to prove their mettle in the 378.2km race.

The four-day-long race will be held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and is organised by the Sharjah Sports Council.

Pro Continental teams competing in the event are Vital Concept (FRA), Wilier Triestina Selle Italia (ITL), Delko Marseille Provence KTM (FRA) and Veranda’s Willems Crelan (BEL).

Continental teams include Sharjah Pro Cycling Team, Minsk Cycling Club, Synergy Baku Cycling Project, Kinan Cycling, Interpro Stradalli Academy, Terengganu Cycling, Vib Bikes, Vino Astana Motors, Sovac Natura4Ever and Bike Aid.

National teams are UAE, Kuwait, Japan South Africa and Uzbekistan.

On the sidelines of the main race, the organisers will also host the Sharjah Amateur Tour.

Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, said: “We are ready to play the role of a host in the best possible manner. Participants are increasing with each edition of the Tour. “We thank and appreciate the efforts of the Sharjah Sports Council in supporting sports, youth and society, and we affirm that we are partners in all the Council’s initiatives aimed at promoting sports, especially the Sharjah Cycling Tour.”

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, stressed the significance of the Sharjah Tour as one of the most important sporting events included in Sharjah’s sports calendar.

“The event reflects the prestigious position of the emirate as an integrated destination for sporting, cultural and recreational events – attracting thousands of visitors and tourists from different parts of the country and beyond as well.

“We are keen on providing our support for anything that can help enhance Sharjah’s position in the sports field, thereby reinforcing its positioning as an ideal sporting destination in the UAE and for the rest of the region.

“This will also play a big role in the emirate’s move to showcase its culture and heritage. Sharjah has all the elements—including tourism facilities and services—to host international high-level competitions in various fields.”

Midfa praised the efforts of the Sharjah Sports Council to organise this remarkable event and the great success it has achieved since the launch of its first edition.

Rashid Al Obaid, Director of Sharjah Sports Channel, Khalid Al Nakhi, Race Director, Salim Bushlaibi, Technical Director of the Race, Zakiya Suhail Al Musharakh, Head of Marketing Committee of Sharjah Sports Council, were prominent among those who were present during the launch of the sixth edition of the Sharjah International Cycling Tour held at the Flag Island on Wednesday.