RIYADH: Some of the world’s top riders are gearing up to compete in the first Saudi International Cycling Tour to be staged in Riyadh early next year. Being held under the umbrella of the International Cycling Union (UCI), the prestigious event will see competitors racing on the capital’s roads, going through five main desert and valley stages, and circling the city. Organized by the French Amaury Sport Organization, which owns, designs and runs top international sporting events, the Saudi tour will take place from Feb. 4 to 8. Chairman of the Saudi Cycling Federation, Subah bin Abdullah Al-Kraidees, said he was delighted that the Kingdom would be hosting a major UCI cycling tour for the first time. “The Saudi International Cycling Tour is an important international sporting event in the Middle East. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the world to see Saudi Arabia and the development and renaissance it is experien-cing under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.” “The Kingdom’s position and weight in the world requires us to provide a distinguished international cycling tour to emphasize its excellence in organizing and hosting international events,” Al-Kraidees added. He also thanked the General Sports Authority, led by Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, for its support in helping to stage the event.