FOTOREPORTAGE MOUTAINBIKEN IN DUBAI // GORE MTB TEAM
EINE FOTOREPORTAGE ÜBER DAS MTB TEAM IN DUBAI
HOCHHÄUSER, WÜSTE UND BERGE. DAS ALLES HAT DUBAI ZU BIETEN. BEGLEITE DAS GORE MTB TEAM AUF EINEM ETWAS ANDEREN TRIP DURCH DUBAI.
“FIRST IMPRESSIONS”
The dimensions of the Far Eastern metropolis opened up already from the airplane window when we landed early in the morning: a huge sea of lights and glory. We were picked up at the airport and set off. Our journey took us through the middle of the city, which was becoming more and more like a big, magnificent world of toys. A world without borders and where simply everything is possible.
“FIVE”
Altogether our journey should last two weeks. The first week we stayed at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel. Our apartment was on the top floor. A 360 degree view over the city that lay at our feet. Especially the sunrise and the view of the skyline left an impression of surreal beauty.
“ONE NIGHT IN DUBAI”
It is no secret that anything is possible in Dubai. There are countless bizarre activities. But after skiing in the desert, there should now be mountain biking in the city?
As crazy as it may sound, the Dubaiers managed to set up a city parkour in the heart of the Dubai City Walk within one night. The whole UCI event took place at night.
It was a rehearsal event for the upcoming UCI World Cup in March, which was to be held there. The Dubainers spared no effort and as you know them, they put a tremendous amount of effort to create a near perfect UCI test event in a unique environment.
“HATTA”
After the riders had only solid ground under their wheels at the event. It was finally time to replace it with gravel, stones and dust.We drove to Hatta.
Hatta is about 40 min away from Dubai and very well known in the mountain bike scene.In the middle of the desert a mountain range rises which has many easy but also demanding trails. Therefore every rider got his pleasure.
“WORLD BEHIND DUBAI”
“DESERT”
Finally we went to a completely surreal place.
In addition one must know that there are actually no possibilities in Dubai to get at ones expense as a cyclist. But there is one place where this is possible. Approx. 1h drive from Dubai, Dubai's only cycle path winds through the vastness of the desert. Surrounded by sand as far as the eye can reach. However, on this track there is usually no driver to be seen, as on the hottest days it can get up to 50 degrees on the asphalt. On top of that you don't only have to fight against the heat but also against the wind and sand.
The drivers didn't let this deter them and did a short lap until the sand crunched between their teeth.
“FACES OF DUBAI”
Many thanks to the MTB Racingteam who made it possible for us to capture these amazing pictures.
It was a pleasure to met all these friendly and lovely people. See you next year in march.
