The festival is part of preparations by the UAE team’s for the World Endurance Cup, which is scheduled for September in Slovakia.

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attended on Sunday, along with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the first round of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Endurance Festival, held in Tuscany, Italy.

The round, dubbed the Tuscany Endurance Lifestyle, saw UAE riders dominate.

Sheikh Hamad bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum won the 160-kilometre race, riding Souletoile de Sommant, in 7 hours 14 minutes and 35 seconds. The Italian champion, Costanza Laliscia, riding Za’Amah, finished second, just a few strides behind.

Competing in the round were 150 riders from 14 countries, reported Wam, the state news agency.

The festival is part of preparations by the UAE team’s for the World Endurance Cup, which is scheduled for September in Slovakia.

newsdesk@thenational.ae