ABU DHABI, 25th January, 2023 (WAM) — UAE Team ADQ, the UAE’s first professional Women’s cycling team will participate, amongst 20 international teams, in the First Women’s UAE Tour.

The inaugural UAE Women’s Tour will take place from 9th-12th February, ahead of the fifth edition of the Men’s UAE Tour, which will take place from 20th-26th February.

The Tour’s total distance is 468 km and comprises 4 stages; Stage 1: Port Rashid – Dubai Harbour (109 KM), Stage 2: Al Dhafra Castle – Al Mirfa (133 KM), Stage 3: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium – Jebel Hafeet (107 KM), and Stage 4: Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy – Abu Dhabi Breakwater (119 KM).

Reflecting the UAE flag colours, UAE Team ADQ riders will wear the new official race jerseys.

Melissa Moncada, Head of the UAE Team ADQ, said, “We are thrilled to be part of the first Women’s UAE Tour next month. It is an inspirational race for many reasons; the first of its kind in UAE and the region. Additionally, it is a unique opportunity for women in UAE to support the female team representing our nation and see them competing in a World Tour standard race on our home soil.

As part of its mandate, UAE Team ADQ launched its UAE-centric platform named Women Moving Forward by UAE Team ADQ. Under this unique initiative, UAE Team ADQ’s trainers and experts work with governmental, corporate, and other stakeholders to provide professional cycling capacity building for women through various professional workshops, events, and team coaching.

“Our mission, as a professional team, is not only limited to achieving the best results at international cycling events, but also includes nurturing a passion for cycling and sports among women in the UAE. We have launched Women Moving Forward by UAE Team ADQ to grow this collaborative journey. Through this platform, we are providing women with innovative and professional sports tools that empower them to reach their full potential, starting with sport,” Moncada added.

UAE Team ADQ organised its training camp ahead of the 2023 UCI World Tour in Tuscany, Italy, last December.