A group of lucky cyclists from Abu Dhabi Cycling Club were given the honour of riding alongside UAE Team Emirates’ stars this weekend, as the team hosted a community ride at Al Hudayriat Island cycle track in the UAE capital.

The Emirati formation joined youngsters and adults in an hour-long ride on Saturday evening to showcase the team’s commitment to the development of cycling in the UAE and highlight their partnership with Abu Dhabi Cycling Club.

Riders taking part included UAE national champion Yousif Mirza, Norwegian national champion Vegard Stake Laengen, former Italian national champion and 2015 Vuelta a Espana winner Fabio Aru and 2018 Tour de France stage winners Alexander Kristoff and Dan Martin.

Also on show were the team’s recent signings, Portuguese twins Ivo and Rui Oliveira, Colombian Sergio Henao and Belgian, Jasper Philipsen.

Commenting on the ride, Mirza said: “I always like to ride with cyclists here in the UAE and it means even more being able to do it alongside my teammates. It is important we are seen as an influence for these youngsters and give them something to aspire to.”

Aru added: “We always enjoy coming to the UAE, meeting fans and seeing how cycling is developing here. The ambition is to make cycling one of the most participated in sports in the region and it’s great to be here and see how the team is helping shape that movement.”

Following the ride, UAE Team Emirates took the opportunity to head into the desert and take in some of the UAE’s stunning scenery.