Dubai Opens New Cycling Course, Announces 2014 Dubai Tour

The quest of Dubai, UAE to become a top destination for cyclists "took a significant step forward" when the new Dubai Cycling Course was opened and a 2014 Dubai Tour for "the world’s top stars" was announced, according to K.R. Nayar of the GULF NEWS. Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the Dubai Cycling Course. A Dubai Tour spokesperson said, "For the first time we will host a world-class cycling championship under the calendar of the International Cycling Union." The announcement included a 1K time trail exhibition with Grand Tour event winners Alberto Contador, Ryder Hesjidal and Vincenzo Nibali. Contador, who is one of only five riders to have won all three Grand Tours of road cycling, talked about the future of Dubai as a top center for cycling competitions. Contador: "The facilities are good and it will be a big boost for the sport in Dubai" (GULF NEWS, 1/4).