If you’re a cycling enthusiast, it’s time to start training. The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Race 2026 is back. Held under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council, in partnership with Spinneys and Dubai 92, the event attracts thousands of cyclists from across the world. The 16th edition of the race is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 15 February 2026, with a full weekend of cycling activities.
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026 – Overview
Cyclists from across the globe with all levels of expertise can register and participate in the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. Aspiring participants of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026 can look forward to routes designed for different expertise levels, from kids taking their first ride to elite cyclists competing for UCI Gran Fondo qualification.
Main Event – 92 km Route
The 92 km Main Event is the highlight of the Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. Starting and finishing at Al Forsan Park, Expo City Dubai, this route takes riders through wide, traffic-controlled roads, ensuring a fast and safe ride.
- Start and Finish: Expo City Dubai
- Route Type: Long loop covering key arterial roads and scenic Dubai districts
- Highlights: Smooth asphalt, minimal elevation, professional traffic control
- Cut-off and Speed: Riders must maintain an average speed of 26 km/h to complete within the cut-off times
Outride/Family Fun Ride – 30–35 km
The Outride/Family Fun Ride is perfect for leisure cyclists and families. This non-competitive ride also starts at Expo City Dubai and runs on closed streets to ensure safety.
- Distance: Approximately 30–35 km
- Target Participants: All fitness levels
- Atmosphere: Community-focused, festival-like environment
Junior Rides
The Junior Rides are designed for young cyclists, offering an outdoor cycling experience in a controlled environment around Expo City Dubai.
Aster BIG 5 Build-Up Rides – Preparation Routes
Leading up to the main event of the 92 km race, the Aster BIG 5 Build-Up Rides are held at Al Qudra Cycling track to help riders train progressively:
- Build-Up Ride 1: 35 km | Sun 28 Sep 2025
- Build-Up Ride 2: 45 km| Sun 26 Oct 2025
- Build-Up Ride 3: 65 km | Sun 23 Nov 2025
- Build-Up Ride 4: 85 km | Sun 4 Jan 2026
- Build-Up Ride 5: Part of the 92 km race
These events prepare cyclists for the final 92 km race and allow them to practice pacing, navigation and stamina.
Timing Chips and Race Monitoring at Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026
To accurately record every rider’s performance, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026 uses an electronic timing system. This system relies on timing chips, small electronic devices that automatically track when a rider crosses the start line, intermediate checkpoints and the finish line. To ensure timing accuracy, all riders will use rental chips issued by the race office.
Each participant will receive a pre-programmed rental chip as part of their registration. The chip will be issued during Race Pack collection before event day and must be returned after completing the ride. Riders are required to attach the timing chip to their left ankle using the provided neoprene and velcro strap, as instructed by event officials. However, in case of lost chips, the replacement fee is AED 300.
Important: No timing chip – no result. Riding with someone else’s chip is against the rules and will be penalised.
How To Register for the Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026
All participants, from junior riders to adults taking on the 92 km race, must sign up online via the official event platform before race weekend.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Step 1: Go to the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge registration page, accessible via cyclechallenge.ae or the event homepage.
- Step 2: Select the ride you want to participate in, from Junior Rides and Family Fun Ride / Outride to the Main 92 km Challenge or the Aster BIG 5 series.
- Step 3: Provide personal details like name, age, contact information and emergency contact. Make sure you meet the minimum age requirements for your chosen category.
- Step 4: Depending on the category, you can choose add-ons like merchandise or the full Aster BIG 5 build-up series package.
- Step 5: Complete your registration by paying the applicable fee online using a credit/debit card.
- Step 6: After payment, you’ll receive a registration confirmation email. Keep this for race-day check-in and race pack collection.
Note: Registration is online only. There is no on-site or race-day entry option. All participants must register before the event closes or slots sell out.
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026 Registration Fees
Cyclists can register for the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Race 2026 across multiple categories, depending on age group and ride type. The registration fee covers race entry, timing services, race pack and access to on-ground facilities.
Main Event (92 km) – Sunday, 15 February 2026
The Main Event is open to riders aged 16 years and above and is conducted as a UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier.
| Event Category | Age Group | Distance | Entry Fee |
| Spinneys Dubai92 Juniors | 16–18 years | 92 km | AED 365 |
| Spinneys Dubai92 & UCI Gran Fondo Qualifier | 19+ years | 92 km | AED 395 |
| Spinneys Dubai92 Elite Start | 16+ years | 92 km | AED 395 |
Outride/Family Fun Ride – Saturday, 14 February 2026
| Event Category | Age Group | Entry Fee |
| Family Fun Ride | All ages | AED 45 (Under 5 years) AED 65 (5+ years) |
Junior Rides – Saturday, 14 February 2026
Junior rides take place in a controlled environment and are aimed at encouraging early participation in cycling.
| Event Category | Age Group | Distance | Entry Fee |
| Mini Movers | 2–3 years | 1.6 km | AED 45 |
| Pedal Pals | 4–5 years | 2.1 km | AED 45 |
| Rocket Riders | 6–7 years | 3.5 km | AED 65 |
| Speed Squad | 8–9 years | 4.2 km | AED 65 |
| Power Pedallers | 9–10 years | 9 km | AED 65 |
| Rapid Racers | 11–12 years | 9 km | AED 65 |
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026 Schedule
The Spinneys 92 2026 Cycle Race schedule is detailed below:
Family Fun & Junior Rides
Saturday is all about family and fun. The day kicks off with the youngest riders taking the spotlight:
- At 8:00 am, the 11–12-year-old Rapid Racers hit the course, followed by the 9–10-year-old Power Pedallers at 8:40 am.
- The Speed Squad (8–9 years) starts at 9:30 am, while the Pedal Pals (4–5 years) roll out at 10:10 am.
- The tiny Mini Movers (2–3 years) take their turn at 10:40 am and the energetic Rocket Riders (6–7 years) go at 11:05 am.
Later in the day, the Family Fun Ride begins at 12:30 pm. This is a relaxed, non-competitive ride where families can cycle together on a 3 km loop for 1.5 hours. A lead vehicle keeps the pace steady and your entry includes a medal, certificate and access to the Eat Well Live Well Village, featuring free food, drinks, entertainment and post-ride chill-out zones.
Sunday, 15 February 2026 – Main Event
Sunday is the big day for serious cyclists. The 92 km Main Event includes elite, junior and adult categories, all competing for glory and a chance to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship 2026.
- The Elite Start for riders aged 16+ begins at 6:10 am.
- The Juniors (16–18 years) start between 6:15 and 6:30 am, followed by the Adult UCI Gran Fondo Qualifier (19+ years) also at 6:15–6:30 am.
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Race Safety Protocols
To keep the race safe and fair, the following are strictly prohibited:
- Headphones while riding.
- Using mobile phones or taking selfies on the bike.
- Physical contact intended to harm another rider.
- Riding without a helmet.
- Using solid disc wheels, TT bikes, TT bars or aero bars.
- E-bikes or any motorised bicycles.
- Littering or carrying another rider’s timing chip.
- Starting in a faster group than allocated.
Rider Safety, Etiquette and Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Safety and fair play are the top priorities at the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. All participants must follow proper rider etiquette to prevent accidents and ensure a fun and competitive environment. Organisers may penalise riders for unsafe or unsportsmanlike behaviour.
Acts to Avoid
- Looking back in a bunch can cause collisions
- Not holding your line; ride straight and predictably
- Sudden braking without warning
- Overlapping wheels; maintain one to one and a half meters distance from the wheel ahead
- Sandbagging on chip time events by hanging back to gain an unfair advantage
- On gun time events, seeded riders, including teams and invited riders, must start in their allocated group
- Blocking or deliberately obstructing other riders
- Disrespecting marshals or race officials in any form
- Being verbally or physically abusive to other riders
Correct Rider Etiquette
- Communication is key; use hand signals and clear verbal calls when passing or moving in a bunch
- Ride handlebar to handlebar while keeping a safe distance
- Hold your line by riding steadily, straight and predictably
- Avoid sudden braking and signal hazards in advance
- Follow road rules and all course signage at all times
- Keep both hands on your handlebars
- Ride within your abilities and seed yourself in the appropriate start group
- When approaching slower riders, keep right, pass left and announce your pass loudly by saying PASSING LEFT
Emergency Contact: Keep the ICE number 056 211 4374 handy. Make sure to follow the set cycling rules in the UAE to avoid any inconvenience.
Appeal Process
Riders may appeal results or report unsafe behaviour using an official appeal form at the info tent. Appellants need to deposit AED 100, which will be returned if the appeal is upheld.
FAQs
How are the age categories calculated for Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026?
Your age category is based on UCI Gran Fondo qualifying rules. It is determined by your age on 31 December 2026, regardless of your actual age on race day. This applies to all events, including Build-Up Rides, the Main Event, Aster BIG 5, Outride/Family Fun Ride and Junior Rides.
Will I receive a confirmation email after registering for Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge?
Yes. After completing your online registration and paying the entry fee, you will receive an email confirming your entry into the event. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact the registration office at events@gulfmultisport.com.
Do I need to bring any documents on race day?
Yes. All participants must bring a valid Emirates ID or passport (for non-residents) when collecting their Race Pack. This is required to verify your registration and receive your timing chip, bib number and race materials.
Is the 2026 Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series?
Yes, the 2026 Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is an officially sanctioned UCI Gran Fondo World Series race and serves as a qualifier for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Do participants need a bicycle to join the Dubai 92 Challenge?
Yes, all participants must have their own human-powered bicycle to take part in the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. E-bikes or motorised bikes are not permitted.
That wraps up everything you need to know about the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026. If you wish to participate in the race and don’t own a bike, you can pick either a new or a used cycle for sale in Dubai and register. Participants can ride their own road, mountain or city bikes or conveniently rent a bicycle through the official on-site partners.
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Cover Image Credit: Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026 Officials
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