· ‘The UAE Team Emirates Cycling Academy presented by Aldar’ rolled out across schools in Abu Dhabi
· Programme aims to build confidence and fitness as well as bike handling skills
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Two-time Tour de France [and current UAE Tour] Champion, Tadej Pogacar, today announced his support of a new cycling academy programme that has been developed between UAE Team Emirates and Aldar.
‘The UAE Team Emirates Cycling Academy presented by Aldar’ is initially set to be rolled out across Abu Dhabi-based schools, providing children aged 6 to 11 with a tailored programme of coaching focussed on building confidence and fitness as well as improving bike handling skills in a fun and safe environment. The programme, which supports the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, will be delivered through three one-hour group sessions, ensuring that all students finish their course with a new-found passion for cycling and being active.
Pogacar and his UAE Tour teammates joined a group of budding young cyclists to launch the programme at a special event hosted at Aldar Square, the company’s new headquarters on Yas Island. 40 children from the community were given a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they met the UAE Team Emirates squad and were taught to ride bikes by some of the best and most accomplished cyclists on the planet.
Tadej Pogacar said: “Cycling has always been my biggest passion, so it’s an honour to be involved in this project. I think it’s a fantastic sport for people of all ages and abilities – especially young children. It’s a great form of exercise, because it helps to increase fitness, muscle strength and flexibility as well as improve mobility. It’s also loads of fun! Watching the kids here today reminds me of when I learned to cycle. It’s a sport that given me so much in life, so I want to give back and to help inspire the next generation of cyclists.”
Salwa Al Maflahi, Director of Sustainability and CSR at Aldar said: “Promoting wellbeing and healthy lifestyles is something we at Aldar are passionate about, so we are thrilled to partner with UAE Team Emirates on this exciting new programme. With initiatives such as this, we hope to encourage young people to engage in a more active lifestyle – and in doing so, cultivate a health-conscious next generation. We also hope that a greater interest in cycling will bring families and friends together to enjoy everything outdoor that Abu Dhabi has to offer.”
Mauro Gianetti, Team CEO said: “From day one, the UAE Team Emirates project has been about more than just winning bike races. Together with our sponsors and partners we have committed to promoting health and wellness and encouraging people across the UAE to use cycling as an enjoyable way to stay active. Our partnership with Aldar has enabled us to advance our Youth Academy ambitions and engage thousands of young people through their schools, academies and communities. It is something I am extremely passionate and excited about growing together”.
The UAE Team Emirates Cycling Academy presented by Aldar will be tailored to the individual ability of each student and cover: Bike Familiarization; balance, braking and riding coordination, Bike Confidence; cornering and an introduction to changing gears, and Bike Skills; an introduction to group riding, manoeuvring around obstacles and preparation for riding in a safe, friendly and competition environment.
The programme aims to engage over 3,000 students in Abu Dhabi in its first year and expand to schools and communities across the UAE from 2023.
UAE Team Emirates is the country’s first ever professional cycling team and has been a partner of ALDAR since 2021. The squad, consisting of 30 riders from XX different countries, competes on the UCI WorldTour – the highest tier of professional road cycling.
The team has gone from strength to strength since its formation in 2017 and has won a variety of high profile races over the last five seasons. These have included one day ‘Monuments’ and stage wins in all the ‘Grand Tours’. The team and their star rider Tadej Pogacar are the reigning champions of the world’s biggest bike race – the Tour de France and have also win their home race, the UAE Tour [twice].
As well as representing the entire nation on the international sporting stage, the team is committed to inspiring a new generation of cyclists in the UAE. The team’s riders are passionate about the development of cycling and using the sport as a way of helping young people lead healthier and more active lifestyles- which is why each and every one of them is excited to be supporting the UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy presented by Aldar.
