RIYADH: The opening ceremony for the Kingdom’s inaugural cycle tour takes place on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported, with the competition starting Tuesday.
The competition is organized by the General Sport Authority (GSA) in coordination with the Saudi Cycling Federation. The launch ceremony is being held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh and will present 130 riders from 18 different teams.
The 755 kilometer race, which is split into five daily stages, will begin at the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee headquarters on Feb. 4 and end on Feb. 8 at Al-Masmak Fort. Competitors will pass many Riyadh landmarks along the way, including Sadus Castle, Wadi Namar Park and Al-Bujairi historical district.
The second stage is the longest at 187 kilometers. The tour’s website says the third stage could be the most challenging as it has nine climbs.
Riders include Mark Cavendish from the UK, Frenchman Nacer Bouhanni and Dutch cyclist Niki Terpstra.
Subah Al-Kraidees, chairman of the Saudi Cycling Federation, said last month that he was delighted about the Kingdom hosting a major international cycling event.
“I am so proud that the Saudi Cycling Federation is able to see one of its dreams realized with this event, and to have Saudi Arabia recognized as an important station in the international biking scene. This is a great opportunity for Saudi athletes to rub shoulders with international bikers, and to see what they have achieved and learn from their experiences.”
Teams began arriving in Riyadh on Saturday.
Side events include rides for women and children. More information about the Saudi Tour 2020 can be found at https://www.thesauditour.com/en.
