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DUBAI: L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France, presented by Skoda and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, has announced new 2026 race routes and more activities, both in the buildup and during the race weekend.

Registration is now open for the event on Jan. 24 and 25 which will give amateur cyclists and enthusiasts the chance to experience the spirit of the world’s most famous cycling race in the UAE.

Eissa Sharif, the director of the Dubai Sports Council’s events department, said the success of the first edition was “a testament to the capability of our national talents in organizing world-class events.”

“This event aligns with the vision of our wise leadership to make Dubai a global hub for sports,” he added.

“We will also leverage it in youth programs and community initiatives to promote a culture of sports and physical activity across society, we extend our gratitude to the Tour de France, our partners, government entities and the public for their trust and support.”

The 2026 edition will feature new routes starting from the Dubai Design District and finishing at Expo Village Park, taking riders past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

From the longer 112-km Epic Race to the more accessible 61-km Classic Race, each course is designed to offer challenges and enjoyment.

The finish line, along with the Saturday non-competitive program, will be hosted at Expo Village Park and include the Family Ride (20 km) and Kids’ Race (300 meters to 1.8 km).

Participants will be able to test themselves in popular sprint sections, compete for famous Tour de France jerseys, and even meet and ride alongside legends of the race.

A key feature of the 2026 edition will be an enhanced Race Village, which will serve as the central hub for riders, families, and fans throughout the weekend.

As an expansion of last year’s program, cyclists across the UAE will have the chance to participate in a series of social rides in the months leading up to the race weekend.

The inaugural edition of L’Etape Dubai had over 1,000 participants, including 243 international riders and 266 Emiratis, making it the largest cycling event of its kind in the UAE.

This year about 2,000 riders across all categories are expected to participate.

Fairouz Al-Qazi, race director, said this edition will build on last year’s momentum with the new routes and expanded race village.

“With the continued support of Skoda Middle East, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Police and our partners, we look forward to welcoming even more riders to share in the unique spirit of the Tour de France here in Dubai.”

Antoine Quiers, project manager of L’Etape Series – Amaury Sport Organisation, said the race has “already established itself as the leading amateur cycling event in the region in just one year.

“In 2026, we are looking forward to building on this success with an even bigger second edition, supported by Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Police, Skoda Middle East, and all our partners who make this event possible.

“With their continued support, we are confident that L’Etape Dubai will once again be a major success.”

DUBAI: Pakistan will face India in the Asia Cup final for the first time after their bowlers made amends for poor batting to upstage Bangladesh in an 11-run victory on Thursday.
Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed grabbed 3-28 as Pakistan batters were sloppy on a sticky Dubai stadium pitch in their last Super Four match, managing a modest 135-8 in 20 overs.
Pakistan staged a fight back through pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-17) and Haris Rauf (3-33) to keep Bangladesh down to 124-9 in 20 overs and book a place in Sunday’s showpiece against India.
Shamim Hossain top-scored for Bangladesh with a 25-ball 30 and Saif Hassan scored 18.
Pakistan’s second win in the Super Four stage set them up for a third encounter against archrivals India.
They have lost both previous meetings with their neighbors so far in the tournament, with the two matches marred by controversy.
India players refused to shake hands with Pakistan after the first game and the two sides also did not shake hands after the second.
Pakistan skipper Salman Agha said he looks forward to meeting India again.
“We are very excited,” said Agha. “We know what we need to do, and we are a good enough team to beat anyone, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them.”
Earlier, Taskin was well supported by spinners Rishad Hossain (2-18) and Mahedi Hasan (2-28) to keep Pakistan in check after they were sent in to bat.
Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals as Taskin removed opener Sahibzada Farhan off the fourth ball of the match for four while Hasan had Saim Ayub for his fourth duck of the tournament.
Fakhar Zaman scored 13 and captain Salman Agha 19 as Pakistan tottered at 49-5.
It was a seventh-wicket stand of 38 between Mohammad Haris (31) and Mohammad Nawaz (25) that helped Pakistan add 52 in the last five overs.
Haris hit two boundaries and a six while Nawaz’s 15-ball knock had two sixes and a boundary.
Shaheen, dropped twice by Bangladesh fielders, hit two sixes in his rapid 13-ball 19.