Dubai residents urged to get on their exercise bikes in fitness challenge

Got a stationary workout bike at home? Then you can take part in Dubai Sports Council's newest inititative

Dubai residents can take part in a six-day sprint challenge if they have at-home exercise bikes

First it called upon UAE residents to run a marathon at home, and now Dubai Sports Council has launched a new initiative to help keep people fit while in isolation.

The organisation is hosting a virtual cycling challenge, encouraging residents from the emirate to hop on their bikes this week.

The challenge is only for participants who have stationary bikes, such as a Peloton, at home; don't try to cycle around your living room on a mountain bike you usually take to Al Qudra.

Nicknamed the Be Fit Be Safe Sprint Challenge, the idea urges contestants to get on their bikes between Sunday, April 12 and Friday, April 17 and pound the pedals in a 2.1-kilometre dash every day.

Participants must register through the Dubai Cycling app, which is available on both Android and iPhone platforms, and sync their smartwatches to the app for their progress to be tracked.

Cyclists who completed the distance in the fastest time will be awarded with virtual medals once the challenge comes to an end.

The cycling mission follows Dubai Sports Council's Marathon at Home, which took place on Friday, April 10.

Residents were tasked with running a full marathon – 42.2km – within the confines of their own home, whether that meant inside, in a garden or even on a balcony. More than 700 runners took part in the initiative.

Both challenges form part of DSC's Be Fit, Be Safe and #stayhome campaigns, designed to keep residents fit and healthy while also helping to stem the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

The campaigns have received backing from some of sport's most famous faces, including footballers Ryan Giggs, Mikael Silvestre and Luis Figo.

"I know it’s a difficult time but try and find, during the day, time to exercise – we need to stay fit," said former Manchester United star Giggs in a video message to Dubai fans. "Also, make sure you stay home and stay safe."