Some cycling events reward speed. Others celebrate endurance. A few focus on technical brilliance. EBAR – Emirates Best All-Rounder does something far more ambitious: it demands mastery of all three. Designed for riders who refuse to be defined by a single strength, EBAR challenges competitors to prove themselves across four distinct and demanding mountain bike disciplines, all set against the raw beauty of Hatta’s off-road terrain.
This is not a race for specialists. It is a proving ground for complete riders—those who can push hard on flats, descend with confidence, climb relentlessly, and maintain precision when fatigue sets in. At the end of the day, only one participant earns the right to be called the Emirates Best All-Rounder.
The Spirit of EBAR
EBAR is built around a simple but uncompromising idea: true greatness in off-road cycling comes from balance. Balance between power and finesse. Between aggression and control. Between physical endurance and mental focus.
Held at Hatta Outdoor, the event brings together a diverse field of competitive mountain bikers, each chasing the same goal. From experienced racers to highly trained enthusiasts, every rider enters knowing that no single stage can carry them to victory. Success requires consistency, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changing demands across varied terrain.
The atmosphere is intense yet inspiring. Riders encourage one another, test personal limits, and measure themselves not only against competitors, but against the mountain itself.
Stage One: Cross Country Endurance Loop – 12km
The challenge begins with a 12-kilometre cross-country loop that sets the tone for the entire event. At first glance, the circuit appears manageable. The terrain is largely flat, with gentle gradients rising and falling across the course. But appearances can be deceptive.
This stage is all about rhythm and efficiency. Riders must maintain sustained speed while conserving energy for the races still to come. Small undulations punish poor pacing, and technical sections demand constant attention. Strong bike handling, clean lines, and intelligent gear selection make the difference between maintaining momentum and bleeding valuable seconds.
Here, endurance quietly asserts itself as a decisive factor. Riders who push too hard too early risk paying the price later, while those who manage their effort wisely set themselves up for success across the remaining stages.
Stage Two: Downhill Descent – 8km
The second stage shifts the dynamic completely. An 8-kilometre downhill race begins high on the red and blue trails before plunging toward Wadi Hub. This is where courage, confidence, and control come sharply into focus.
Speed alone is not enough. Riders must read the trail at pace, absorb impacts, and make split-second decisions while descending rapidly over rugged terrain. Loose surfaces, sharp turns, and natural features reward those with excellent braking technique and line choice.
For many participants, this stage is the most exhilarating—and the most intimidating. A clean, aggressive descent can deliver a significant advantage, while a moment’s hesitation can cost dearly. Precision under pressure defines performance here.
Stage Three: Uphill Climb – 5km
After gravity has had its say, EBAR turns brutally uphill. The 5-kilometre climb begins at Wadi Hub and follows an almost continuous ascent along green and red trails. There is little relief and no hiding place.
This stage tests raw strength, cardiovascular endurance, and mental toughness. Riders battle gradient, heat, and fatigue as legs burn and breathing intensifies. Cadence control becomes crucial, as does the ability to remain seated and efficient on sustained climbs.
Those who thrive here are riders with disciplined training and strong mental resolve. Every pedal stroke matters. Every decision—to push harder or settle into a sustainable rhythm—can reshape the leaderboard.
Stage Four: Technical Skills Test – 1km
The final stage may be the shortest, but it is arguably the most revealing. Spanning just 1 kilometre, the technical stage strips cycling back to its fundamentals: balance, precision, and control.
Riders navigate a compact course filled with wooden obstacles, balance beams, rollers, and MTB hoppers. After the physical toll of the earlier stages, fine motor skills are put to the test. Fatigue magnifies mistakes, and smooth execution becomes the ultimate challenge.
This is where complete riders shine. Those who can remain calm, focused, and technically sharp under pressure often gain decisive ground. It is a fitting finale—one that rewards mastery over muscle alone.
Why EBAR Stands Apart
What makes EBAR truly special is its structure. Rather than favouring one style of rider, it celebrates versatility. The event rewards athletes who have trained holistically, refined their technique, and developed resilience across multiple demands.
The setting amplifies the experience. Hatta’s dramatic landscape, rugged trails, and purpose-built facilities create an environment that feels both wild and welcoming. Riders are immersed in nature, yet supported by a professional event framework that ensures safety and fairness throughout.
EBAR is as much a mental contest as a physical one. Strategy, self-awareness, and adaptability often separate top finishers from the rest of the field.
A Challenge Worth Accepting
EBAR is not just about competition. It is about personal validation. Completing all four stages is an achievement in itself, a testament to preparation, discipline, and passion for the sport. Winning the title is rare. Earning respect is universal.
For riders seeking more than another race—those craving a challenge that tests every aspect of their ability—EBAR delivers something unforgettable. It is a reminder of why mountain biking captivates so many: the blend of freedom, difficulty, and discovery.
Only one champion will claim the title of Emirates Best All-Rounder. The question is not who rides fastest, but who rides best—across every discipline, every kilometre, and every moment of the challenge.
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