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Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 11th Sharjah International Cycling Tour concluded with Estonian cyclist Rein Taaramäe crowned champion. The final stage commenced at Sharjah Falconers Club and concluded at the Grand Mosque in Sharjah, covering a distance of 99.100 kilometers.
Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Suburbs Affairs Department, and Sheikh Dr. Khaled bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Sports Council, presented awards to the winners at the Grand Mosque. Taaramäe, representing Japan’s Kinan Cycling Team, secured first place, while Marcin Budziński from Hungary’s MBH Bank Team took second and Adne van Engelen from Malaysia’s Terengganu Cycling Team finished third.
Sharjah International Cycling Tour Results and Classifications
The Sharjah International Cycling Tour featured multiple classification jerseys recognizing excellence across different categories. Taaramäe claimed the yellow jersey for best overall time, sponsored by Sharjah Police General Command, cementing his position as the tour’s overall champion.
Additionally, Japan’s Kinan Cycling Team earned the distinction of best team in the competition. In the international tour rankings, Alexander Salby from China’s Le Ning Star team secured first place, with Dušan Rajović from Slovenia’s Solution Tech claiming the silver medal and Christian Bita from Thailand’s Roojai taking bronze.
Special Classification Winners
Meanwhile, various specialty jerseys were awarded to recognize specific achievements throughout the tour. Jens Renders from Qatar Cycling Team received the green jersey for best average performance, sponsored by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
In contrast, local talent Suleiman Manwal from Khorfakkan Club earned the red jersey for best climber, sponsored by Sharjah Municipality. Lorenzo Nespoli from Hungary’s MBH Bank Team captured the white jersey as the top young rider under 23 years old, with sponsorship from Sharjah Sports Channel.
However, the Emirati rider classification highlighted local participation in the Sharjah International Cycling Tour. Abdullah Jassim Al Ali from UAE Team Gen Z won the UAE flag jersey, awarded to the best-performing Emirati cyclist, with sponsorship from Sharjah Sports Council.
International Officials and Event Organization
The event drew significant attendance from sports officials and dignitaries, according to tournament organizers. Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports, and Ahmed Nasser Al Fardan, former Secretary-General of Sharjah Sports Council, witnessed both the start and award ceremonies.
Furthermore, Abdullah Sultan Al Dah, member of Sharjah Sports Council and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mohammed Obaid Al Hussan, Secretary-General of Sharjah Sports Council, and Mansour Bouaassiba, President of the Cycling Federation, attended alongside numerous officials and federation presidents. International Chief Commissaire Clinckaert Yves and his team of international referees received recognition for their efforts in ensuring the event’s success.
The 11th edition of the Sharjah International Cycling Tour reinforced the emirate’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events that attract international competitors and promote cycling in the region. The tournament showcased both professional international teams and emerging Emirati talent competing across challenging stages.
Officials have not yet announced dates for the next edition of the Sharjah International Cycling Tour, though organizers are expected to continue the annual tradition that has established Sharjah as a premier cycling destination in the Middle East.
