Cycling World Debates UAE's 'Artificial Mountains' for 2028 Championships

The cycling community is buzzing with debate following news that the United Arab Emirates is reportedly creating artificial inclines for the 2028 UCI Road World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This ambitious project aims to introduce a more challenging terrain, departing from traditionally flat courses, and is perceived by many as an attempt to favor powerful climbers, particularly local hero Tadej Pogačar. This strategic modification has ignited a fierce discussion among fans, riders, and experts about the future of road cycling and the essence of fair competition in major international events.

Artificial Terrain Sparks Controversy for 2028 World Championships

In a move that has sent ripples through the international cycling world, reports from Spain this week confirm that the United Arab Emirates is actively constructing 'artificial mountains' on the proposed course for the 2028 UCI Road World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This development has sparked significant controversy, with many accusing organizers of tailoring the course to benefit prominent climbers, specifically Tadej Pogačar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates.

Historically, the UCI Road World Championships have varied in course profiles, with recent editions favoring hilly terrain. However, the prospect of man-made climbs has raised questions about the natural integrity of the sport. Initially, Abu Dhabi organizers sought to include Jebel Hafeet, a mountain where Pogačar has a strong winning record, as the race's decisive climb. This proposal was ultimately rejected by the UCI.

Consequently, attention has shifted to Al Wathba, an existing artificial climb constructed in 2023 from fossil dune sand and desert aggregates, designed to withstand high temperatures. While its current dimensions of 1.4km with a 6% average gradient are modest, plans are underway to extend it by 600m, incorporating sections with gradients reaching 11%. By 2028, engineering documents suggest a final length of 3.8km with an average gradient of 6.5%, culminating in a challenging final kilometer at 11% and peaks of 13%. Additionally, new 'designer hills' are being built on Hudayriyat Island, further intensifying the course's difficulty.

This initiative has drawn sharp criticism from sprinters, including Belgian star Tim Merlier, who expressed concern that such courses could deny sprinters a fair chance at a world title. Merlier, a multiple stage winner on flatter UAE Tour routes, fears his opportunity for a rainbow jersey may never come. Social media has echoed these sentiments, with fans decrying the potential for a "circus" and suggesting the course is overtly biased towards Pogačar. While some argue that World Championships should always be challenging classics-style races, others advocate for a more balanced approach that offers opportunities for riders of all specialties.

The creation of these manufactured obstacles represents a significant departure from traditional course design, highlighting a growing trend towards specialized and often controversial approaches in major sporting events. As the 2028 championships approach, the debate over fairness, tradition, and innovation in professional cycling is set to intensify.

The unfolding saga of the UAE's artificial mountains for the 2028 World Championships invites a critical examination of the future direction of professional cycling. While innovation and challenging courses can undoubtedly add excitement, the perceived manipulation of natural terrain for a specific rider or team raises concerns about sportsmanship and competitive equity. This development should prompt a broader discussion within the UCI and the cycling community about the core values of the sport and how best to balance athletic prowess with the integrity of competition. A true world championship should test a diverse range of skills, not just favor a predetermined winner.