Cycling legend and former road world champion, Mark Cavendish, is to compete in the first ever edition of the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Classic. The 180km event, which will begin in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, December 3rd, 2017, will feature 200 riders.

Hosted by Abu Dhabi Cycling Club and held under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the exciting new 'Classic' is the first of its kind to take place in the UAE and pays homage to the great classic races of Europe.

Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, said, "We are delighted that Abu Dhabi Cycling Club’s first event will be the Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Classic. Our riders are excited to compete alongside some of the best in the world and it’s a fantastic development for cycling in the UAE. The course will provide everyone with a unique challenge between both cities."

Cavendish, who also has thirty Tour de France stage wins to his name, is the Event Ambassador and will be one of several notable international riders in the 'peloton' that will work its way from Abu Dhabi to the Garden City of Al Ain.

The 32-year-old commented, "I’m really looking forward to playing a part in the first Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Classic. The event is a fantastic new initiative within cycling and it’s a privilege to be involved."

The event will incorporate the Daman ActiveLife Family Cycling Festival, which will take place at the finish of the Classic in Al Ain. The festival will work to promote health and fitness by providing families with the opportunity to cycle together on 800m circuits for free.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, "The Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Classic is a significant new race for us. Not only will it bring internationally recognised athletes to compete in Abu Dhabi, but also provide a development platform for our own riders and particularly Abu Dhabi Cycling Club. We’re delighted that the event will be hosted by Mark Cavendish, who is a great ambassador for both his sport and our emirate. The combination of the Classic and the Daman ActiveLife Family Cycling Festival is unique and ADSC are thrilled that these new events will be attractive to all levels of cyclists."

The Family Cycling Festival is presented by Daman’s ActiveLife brand, which is a community driven initiative from the National Health Insurance Company – Daman, aiming to inspire people of all ages and fitness levels to lead active lifestyles, and in the process, create healthy communities across the UAE. The Cycling Festival is one of a number of events presented by Daman’s ActiveLife that provides members of the community with the fitness opportunities that they need to facilitate positive change in their lives.

Dr. Sven Rohte, Chief Commercial Officer at Daman, said, "We’re really excited to bring a brand-new event to the UAE, that aims to motivate the community to lead healthy lifestyles. At Daman, one of our key objectives is to create a healthier community through free and engaging fitness events suitable for all abilities, all year. The Family Cycling Festival is an event which puts communal exercise and health at the very forefront of its ethos, and we’re confident that it will be one of the more memorable and special events in the ActiveLife calendar."

The Classic is strictly limited to 200 places by invitation only, but riders can register their interest online at the official web site.

The Daman ActiveLife Family Cycling Festival is open to all, and, in addition to the cycling circuit, there will be an event village with numerous other activities to enjoy. Individuals and families can also register their interest online.