Cycling in the UAE is booming and GMS Yasmena Cycles are one of the local clubs advancing the sport in the region. The Abu Dhabi-based cycling team, part of the new Yas Cycles bike shop in Al Zeina, organise group rides and races.

Made up of mostly expats from all around the world, as well as some locals, Yas Cycles have a good mixture of riders and a separate women’s and juniors’ team.

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The group started as the project of a bunch of friends five years ago, but became more legitimate when they joined forces with sponsor Gulf Marine Services (GMS) Offshore Contractor in 2013.

Willem Verhaert, co-owner of Yas Cycles bike shop, is one of the riders in the club and heavily involved in increasing the team’s presence.

Verhaert embodies the growing fitness community in the UAE as he used the bike to get back in shape following a long layoff from his riding days.

“I first moved to Dubai nine years ago, but didn’t start cycling again until two and a half years ago,” Verhaert said. “I was cycling in Belgium but quit racing when I moved out here.

“I became overweight so I picked up the bike and now I’m back not to 100 per cent shape, but close to fit again.”

He’s taken juniors from Yas Cycles to Belgium for two months of racing and attempts to get riders from abroad to race with the group in local events like Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge.

The aforementioned ride is one of the many cycling events taking place in the UAE sporting calendar, such as last night’s race for National Sports Day in Abu Dhabi. Cycling’s popularity, however, has come a long way in the region.

“When I started cycling, there were very few people cycling at that time. Now, while the government is pushing cycling hard, it’s growing very fast,” Verhaert said.

“You see that cycling in the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is growing. It’s lovely to see more locals are getting out on the bike and getting fit. They’re getting away from their cars, mobiles, food and trying to get healthier.”

An obvious advantage to cycling in the UAE is the ability to ride year-round thanks to the weather and climate, something Verhaert appreciates after living in Europe.

“Aside from the summer, the other eight months of the year you have perfect conditions and can literally cycle 24 hours a day. In Europe, you have four months summer and all the other months there could be rain and snow, which is not the case here.”

You can join GMS Yasmena Cycles’ weekly rides, taking place Friday at 06:00 and Saturday at 06:30 from Al Zeina. 

The group trek various routes, from the Al Wathba Cycle Track, to Jebel Hafeet and Hatta.

To get in touch with the club, contact Verhaert at willem@yascycles.com.

What: GMS Yasmena Cycles Cycling Team
Founded: 2010
Geared towards: Cycling enthusiasts
When & where: Friday at 06:00 and Saturday at 06:30 from Al Zeina
Contact & info: Visit www.facebook.com/GMSyascycles.