Emirati Cyclist Youssef Amiri Competes in World Youth Cycling Championships

UAE Cycling Team Intensifies Italian Training Camp Ahead of Global Championship Season

The UAE cycling team is deep into an intensive two-month training camp in Italy, preparing for a packed calendar of international competitions that could define the nation's cycling trajectory. With rising star Youssef Amiri set to compete at the World Youth Track Championships in the Netherlands and veteran Mohammed Al Matayoui heading to Chile's World Track Championships, the Emirates are positioning themselves as a serious contender in global cycling circuits.

Strategic European Base for Asian and Global Ambitions

The Italian training camp, running from early July through September 1st, represents more than just preparation—it's a calculated investment in cycling infrastructure that mirrors successful models from other Gulf nations. The UAE Cycling Federation has structured this extended European base to provide optimal training conditions while building competitive experience ahead of crucial tournaments.

The immediate targets include the Asian Cycling Championships in Thailand, the international Tour of Salalah in September, and the Under-23 World Championships in Rwanda. This aggressive competition schedule reflects the UAE's broader sports diversification strategy, moving beyond traditional regional strongholds toward global recognition.

Youth Development Takes Center Stage

Youssef Amiri's selection for the World Youth Track Championships in the Netherlands signals the UAE's long-term vision. Youth categories often serve as proving grounds for future Olympic talent, and the Emirates' investment in this demographic suggests they're building for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and beyond.

The camp has recently welcomed key riders including Ahmed Al Mansoori, Mohammed Al Matayoui, Rashid Al Balushi, Saif Al Ghawi, Abdullah Al Hashemi, and Sultan Al Hammadi. This roster blend of emerging and established talent creates a competitive internal environment that often produces breakthrough performances.

Regional Competition and International Recognition

The UAE's cycling ambitions come at a time when Gulf states are increasingly competing for sports tourism and international recognition. Qatar's successful hosting of the World Championships in 2016 and Saudi Arabia's growing presence in professional cycling through events like the Saudi Tour demonstrate how cycling has become a soft power tool in the region.

The choice of Italy for training camps is particularly strategic. Italian cycling infrastructure and coaching expertise have produced consistent world-class results, and access to European competition circuits provides exposure to racing styles and intensities that Asian-based training cannot replicate.

Building on Recent Momentum

The current preparation builds on what the UAE Cycling Federation describes as recent achievements on regional and international stages. While the Gulf region has traditionally been overshadowed by European and North American cycling powerhouses, countries like the UAE are leveraging significant financial resources and strategic partnerships to accelerate development.

The extended training camp model—two months in optimal conditions—represents a professionalization of approach that smaller cycling nations often cannot sustain. This investment suggests the UAE views cycling as a viable path to international sporting recognition, similar to their success in other endurance sports.

October Showdown in Chile

Mohammed Al Matayoui's upcoming challenge at the World Track Championships in Chile will serve as a crucial benchmark for the program's effectiveness. Track cycling requires explosive power and tactical precision that can only be developed through sustained high-level training, making the Italian camp's success measurable through his October performance.

The diverse competition calendar—from Asian regional events to World Championships across multiple continents—indicates the UAE is serious about establishing year-round competitive presence rather than focusing on single showcase events.