SkyDive Dubai Pro Cycling Team rider Mohammed Albalooshi was proud to take part in a historic moment for cycling in Dubai after competing in the first ever professional cycling event in the country. 

The 25-year-old Emirati has been participating in the sport for the past 15 years, but this season finds himself part of the country’s first ever professional cycling team competing in the Dubai Tour.

The time trial specialist placed 80th amongst 127 riders in yesterday’s opening stage, clocking a time of 13:34.

He realises the difference in level between SkyDive Dubai and the rest of the teams present in Dubai but says the Emirati outfit has big future goals.

“This has always been a dream for us, that we host our own Tour and to have our own professional team. SkyDive Dubai is the first professional cycling team from the country. This is a historic moment for us,” Albalooshi told Sport360°.

“In the future, we will look back at this moment and say ‘UAE cycling before Dubai Tour and UAE cycling after the Dubai Tour’.

“This Tour gives us experience against professionals. Right now our team is a continental team, so our level is lower than the professional teams here but we will do our best to perform well.

“Our goal is to be ranked as one of the top three teams in Asia and I honestly think that the top spot on the continent is within our reach.”

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Ahmed Almansoori, who represents the UAE Cycling Federation Team, said the opening stage was a challenging experience but he’s thrilled to get a chance to race against the very best.

“The course was a bit tough because of the wind but the organisation is great and racing against such top riders gives me a lot of motivation,” said Almansoori.

“The sport is really improving in the city, the infrastructure Dubai has provided recently, and this Tour are really a huge boost.”