The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is delighted to announce its agreement with Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and the United Arab Emirates Cycling Federation (UAE Cycling Federation) for the inaugural UCI Cycling Gala in Abu Dhabi.
 

Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the United Arab Emirates Cycling Federation, the Gala will recognise the accomplishments of the best riders, teams and National Federations in road cycling in 2015.

The event will be held in “du Forum”, part of the iconic Yas Marina Island, where Abu Dhabi will welcome the stars of road cycling from across the world in a celebration for the family of cycling. The evening will incorporate a gala dinner and awards ceremony showcasing key moments of the season, and will be held on the final evening of the new four day Abu Dhabi Tour on 11th October.

The awards will include the best UCI WorldTour rider, team and nation, various men’s and women’s UCI World Champions as well as recognising the winner of the UCI Women Road World Cup.

UCI President Brian Cookson said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce the inaugural UCI Cycling Gala which will be held in Abu Dhabi in October 2015. As cycling continues to grow and evolve, it is only fitting that we organize a high profile awards ceremony that celebrates the riders and teams that have delivered stand-out performances during the 2015 UCI WorldTour and other important events of the road season, both for men and women.

“The UCI Cycling Gala is another step towards creating a compelling narrative that gives fans, broadcasters and our stakeholders a sense of the cycling year. I’d also like to thank the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the United Arab Emirates Cycling Federation for their support for what I am sure will be a wonderful celebration of all that is great about road cycling.”

Commenting on Abu Dhabi hosting the UCI Cycling Gala, Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: “Abu Dhabi is widely known and proves every day to be a prominent international capital for world-class sporting events. Hosting the UCI Cycling Gala will be the best way to celebrate the first Abu Dhabi Tour winner. We are very proud and honoured by the UCI’s choice.

“Moreover, this Gala is the cycling season’s closing action: for us it’s an opportunity as Abu Dhabi Tour to be considered the ultimate race of the season. For teams and riders it’s a fixed point in the UCI calendar.”

“Cycling in the UAE needs to host events such as the UCI Cycling Gala”, said Osama Al Shafar, President of the UAE Cycling Federation. “It means we’re on track to increase public approval, locally and internationally. This partnership is a confirmation of our strategies.”

The UCI Cycling Gala will take place after the Yas Marina Stage, 110km at night under the floodlights of the F1 Circuit. The peloton will complete 20 laps (5.5km each) culminating in the last Abu Dhabi Tour sprint.