RIYADH: Registration opened on Tuesday for Al-Mazayen competitors at AlUla Falcons Cup, which is organized by the Saudi Falcons Club and the Royal Commission for AlUla and continues until Friday at Mughira Heritage Sports Village in the ancient city.
Falconers wishing to register their birds for the fourth track of the cup for locals can do so from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. each day until Thursday. The competition, considered the largest of its kind in the world, has a total prize pool of SR60 million ($16 million). There are six rounds in all categories of the contest and the overall winner will receive SR10.2 million.
Meanwhile, 27 cyclists from AlUla Sports Club took a road trip to the Falcons Cup headquarters, covering a distance of more than 30 kilometers. They learned about the history and heritage of falconry in Saudi Arabia, an ancestral hobby deeply rooted in tradition, and in return introduced falconers and Falcons Cup visitors to the sport of cycling, including its beneficial effects in improving muscle flexibility and heart health.
They also provided information about upcoming cycling events in the area this year, including AlUla Tour, the only race in the Kingdom that is on the calendar of the International Cycling Union.
The Royal Commission for AlUla has created 45 kilometers of cycle lanes as part of its vision and strategy for the sports sector, which includes the development of activities designed to improve quality of life and participation in sport.