The UAE Cycling Federation (UCF) have announced the inaugural UAE Road Cycling Championship will take place during the first quarter of 2018.

In a first for the UAE, the two-stage championship will be held on Friday January 26 in Abu Dhabi, and Friday March 9 in Dubai, and is intended to be the premier amateur cycling event on the UCF calendar.

Open to all amateur cyclists, the main categories for the inaugural Championship are: Emirati men, Emirati women, Expatriate men and Expatriate women.

Each stage will see a stage-winner with champions being crowned after the second stage in Dubai.

“We are delighted to bring the inaugural UAE Road Cycling Championships to the UAE,” said Osama Al Shafar, President UCF.

“Cycling is already a very popular sport for our Expatriate community and it has grown in incredible numbers over the past few years among Emiratis.

“The Federation understands the importance of ensuring our amateur cycling community are able to compete in professionally managed events and be recognised for their achievements, (and) we are very excited to now be able to crown UAE Champions through the UAE Road Cycling Championships.”

Organisers have also announced that a challenge event will be held for all cyclists aged 16 to 18 (years).

This will form an integral part of the inaugural Championship and where all finishers will receive medals for their efforts in taking part.

Registrations are now open for both stages, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, by visiting www.hopasports.com.