
From 1 July 2026, a team of 13 riders from the UAE will embark on a 25-day charitable endurance cycling challenge from Barcelona to Paris, inspired by one of the most demanding and revered routes in professional cycling. Spanning 3,333 kilometres and over 54,000 metres of elevation, the journey takes the team through Spain and France, following roads synonymous with the sport's greatest test of endurance. Over nearly a month on the road, the team will raise awareness and vital funds for the Al Jalila Foundation.

An Easter 500. Storm Dave, Flapwiches, and a Confession.
The Art and Science of Endurance (For Me, At Least)
Endurance for me sits between art, science and life. This is how I train, find balance and prepare for a purpose greater than performance.
Visualising!
The last Kilometre


Building strong team spirit among our passionate cycling enthusiasts. Taking on this demanding endurance challenge for a cancer foundation requires a shared set of core values. These values will guide our decisions, strengthen team unity, and inspire everyone through the tough moments on the road. As we are not professionals, the focus should be on solidarity, purpose, and resilience rather than performance alone.
We ride as one team, united by hope and compassion. We push forward with determination, supporting each other and those affected by cancer. With humility and gratitude, we aim to inspire change and raise vital funds. Every stage, every kilometre, every pedal stroke is for the people and families we ride for.
The Cause
Al Jalila Foundation is a global healthcare philanthropic organisation that leads Dubai Health's giving mission. The foundation aims to impact lives and shape the future of health through its integration of care, learning, and discovery. It was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, in April 2013, to position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.
Sport has the power to inspire, unite, and mobilise communities around causes that matter. Through CycleAgainstCancer, endurance becomes impact. A personal challenge becomes collective hope. Athletic determination becomes a platform for meaningful change. This initiative turns physical resilience into tangible support for families in need.
More than 4,500 new cancer cases are diagnosed in the UAE each year. Through its "Patient First" promise, Al Jalila Foundation ensures that hope is never denied because of financial constraints. This initiative provides critical support to patients who cannot afford lifesaving treatment, advances cancer research, and invests in the next generation of healthcare professionals across the UAE. Every dirham contributed through this 25-day endurance challenge will directly strengthen patient care and further medical innovation.

Al Jalila Foundation
Funding breakthrough studies to advance treatments and cures.
Providing financial assistance for underprivileged patients.
Delivering hope and healing to families impacted by cancer.
From 1 July 2026, a team of 13 riders from the UAE will embark on a 25-day charitable endurance cycling challenge from Barcelona to Paris, inspired by one of the most demanding and revered routes in professional cycling. Spanning 3,333 kilometres and over 54,000 metres of elevation, the journey takes the team through Spain and France, following roads synonymous with the sport's greatest test of endurance.
Over nearly a month in the saddle, the team will face gruelling climbs, technical descents, long and relentless days, unpredictable weather, and cumulative fatigue. Each day presents a new physical and mental challenge. Together, they will experience what few ever do: the full weight of an elite-level endurance route, ridden not for competition, but for a cause far greater than themselves. Founded to raise awareness and support individuals and families affected by cancer, CycleAgainstCancer is a purpose-driven endurance initiative rooted in perseverance, unity, and action. Built on the belief that hope must be visible, shared, and translated into impact, it transforms an athletic challenge into meaningful community engagement. The initiative raises vital funds for Al Jalila Foundation to support cancer patients.
Each day marks a new stage that demands discipline, preparation, and collective commitment. At its core, CycleAgainstCancer is about people, including riders, survivors, families, carers, and supporters, all connected through lived experience. The team includes cancer survivors, business leaders, and members of the UAE cycling community, many of whom ride in honour of loved ones impacted by the disease.
This endurance journey is a fully independent, privately organised charitable endurance cycling initiative and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Tour de France and the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO).

Register and join us for these special pre- and post-event activities.

The CycleAgainstCancer Ramadan Ride marks the official opening of donations for CycleAgainstCancer (CaC), a cycling initiative founded by Guido De Wilde, a stage 4 colon cancer survivor.
Event Completed
The CycleAgainstCancer Women's Community Ride is a charity-focused cycling event created to bring women cyclists together in support of CycleAgainstCancer (CaC), a cycling initiative.
Event Completed
A 2,000km endurance cycling challenge led by Servee Palmans, riding from Rotterdam to Barcelona across four countries to raise funds for Al Jalila Foundation. Open invitation for fellow riders to join.
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Join us for an exclusive gala evening celebrating our riders and supporters. An unforgettable night of inspiration, recognition, and fundraising for Al Jalila Foundation.
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