The first UCI Cycling Gala, marking the end of the UCI professional road cycling season, will be held in Abu Dhabi on October 11. The festivities will take place at the Yas Marina Island “du Arena” concert venue on the evening of the final stage of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour, a four-day stage race on the UCI Asia Tour calendar.

During the evening of celebration, awards will be presented to athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout the season in, among others, the UCI WorldTour, the UCI Women's Road World Cup, the three Grand Tours and the UCI Road World Championships. Among special awards will be one for fair play and two for the new holders of the Men's and Women’s UCI Hour Records.

UCI President Brian Cookson said the UCI Cycling Gala would be a fitting end to an exciting road season: “From shoulder to shoulder sprints to the finish line to courageous solo break-away moves, the riders have kept us on the edge of our seats throughout the year. The UCI Cycling Gala is our way of thanking and rewarding them for their amazing performances. I am thrilled that the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the United Arab Emirates Cycling Federation have undertaken to host this gala in conjunction with their new Abu Dhabi Tour.”

Mr Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Abu Dhabi is ready to show off all its assets. The goal is for all to enjoy a hard fought and well organised race, and to celebrate our efforts with an unforgettable UCI Cycling Gala.”

The awards categories

Winner of the UCI WorldTour Individual Classification
2nd in the UCI WorldTour Individual Classification
3rd in the UCI WorldTour Individual Classification

Winner of the UCI WorldTour Team Classification
Winner of the UCI WorldTour Classification by Nation

Men’s Elite UCI Road Race World Champion
Women’s Elite UCI Road Race World Champion
Men’s Elite UCI Individual Time Trial World Champion
Women’s Elite UCI Individual Time Trial Champion
Men’s Elite UCI Team Time Trial Champions
Women’s Elite UCI Team Time Trial Champions

Winner of the UCI Women's Road World Cup

Men’s UCI Hour Record Holder
Women’s UCI Hour Record Holder
Fair Play

Giro d’Italia Winner
Tour de France Winner
Vuelta a España Winner
 
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Abu Dhabi Tour Winner