Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Takes Center Stage in Global Cycling

AlUla's cycling infrastructure has seen remarkable growth, with dedicated cycling tracks expanding from 45 kilometers to 68 kilometers. SPA
AlUla's cycling infrastructure has seen remarkable growth, with dedicated cycling tracks expanding from 45 kilometers to 68 kilometers. SPA
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Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Takes Center Stage in Global Cycling

AlUla's cycling infrastructure has seen remarkable growth, with dedicated cycling tracks expanding from 45 kilometers to 68 kilometers. SPA
AlUla's cycling infrastructure has seen remarkable growth, with dedicated cycling tracks expanding from 45 kilometers to 68 kilometers. SPA

The highly anticipated Tour of AlUla 2025 has officially commenced, uniting some of the world's top cyclists to race through the breathtaking landscapes of this historic oasis.

Cycling enthusiasts worldwide are focusing on the event, which has cemented AlUla's status as a premier destination for the sport, The Saudi Press Agency reported.

Now in its fifth edition, the Tour of AlUla is a key fixture on the Asian Tour calendar under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The event features Olympic champions, stage winners from major international races, and European titleholders, reinforcing its significance in the global cycling scene, SPA said.

Beyond the professional competition, the event also fosters grassroots engagement. Following the opening stage on Tuesday, 25 students participated in a training ride led by Saudi Arabia’s first female professional cyclist, Marwa Adel, a member of Team Jayco–AlUla.

The young riders had the opportunity to interact with international athletes and participate in a dedicated race, marking an inspiring moment for the future of cycling in the Kingdom.

AlUla's cycling infrastructure has seen remarkable growth, with dedicated cycling tracks expanding from 45 kilometers to 68 kilometers. The northern region, including Hegra and Shlal, now boasts an additional 23 kilometers of tracks, making AlUla an attractive hub for both professional and amateur cyclists, SPA said.

As the Tour of AlUla 2025 progresses, the region continues to showcase its world-class cycling facilities, offering a unique blend of competitive sport and scenic adventure, it added.



F1 Seeks to Spice up Monaco GP with More Mandatory Pitstops

Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc drives during the third practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on May 25, 2024. (AFP)
Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc drives during the third practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on May 25, 2024. (AFP)
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F1 Seeks to Spice up Monaco GP with More Mandatory Pitstops

Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc drives during the third practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on May 25, 2024. (AFP)
Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc drives during the third practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on May 25, 2024. (AFP)

Formula One's governing body is planning to spice up the showcase Monaco Grand Prix by forcing teams to carry out more pitstops.

The FIA said in a statement that an F1 commission meeting in London on Tuesday had discussed "proposals for Monaco-specific regulations" to promote less processional racing at the tight and twisty circuit.

"The commission agreed to increase the numbers of mandatory pitstops in the race," it added, without providing further details.

"These proposals will be further discussed by the sporting advisory committee in the coming weeks."

The current mandatory minimum is one pitstop per race.

Overtaking is extremely difficult around Monaco, with qualifying and pole position a much more crucial element than at other races.

The FIA said there would also no longer be any restriction on the number of gearboxes teams could use during a season as the reliability of current designs had rendered the regulation obsolete.