The UAE Para cycling team made history at the second edition of the Brazil International Track Cycling Cup in Maringá, finishing the competition with eight medals, including the country’s first gold at a UCI Class 1 event.

Emirati cyclist Abdullah Al Balooshi delivered the landmark victory in the men’s C4 scratch race, prevailing after a closely fought contest that went down to the final metres. He followed the historic gold with silver in the C4 elimination race.

The victory marked a significant milestone for UAE Para cycling and underlined the team’s growing presence on the international stage.

Al Balooshi had already enjoyed a successful campaign in Brazil, adding four medals from earlier events – two silver and two bronze – to finish the competition with six medals overall.

His teammate Ahmed Al Badawi also contributed to the UAE’s medal haul, claiming two bronze medals in the C5 category as the national team concluded its campaign with a total of eight medals.

Al Balooshi expressed his delight at the achievement, saying the result was the reward for months of hard work and preparation.

“Standing on the podium and raising the UAE flag at an international Class 1 event is the result of continuous effort and intensive training,” Al Balooshi said. “This is an important step forward for UAE Para cycling on the international stage.”

UAE team coach Mohammed Al Marwi said the performances in Brazil provided further motivation as the team turn their attention to upcoming major competitions.

“These results encourage us to continue working and striving for further achievements,” Al Marwi said. “They reflect the progress of UAE Para cycling and give us confidence ahead of the upcoming World Road Cycling Championships and the Asian Para Games.”

The UAE team will now look to build on its success as preparations continue for their next international challenges.