The 160-km ride, which is a dress rehearsal for the January 27 World Championship, will be run over six stages on the same championship route.

Nearly 200 riders from over 35 countries are expected to take part in the World Championship, which is being held here in the UAE for the second time.

Today's 120-km ride has attracted over 80 riders with former President's Cup winner Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed and Mohammad Ali Al Shafar among the UAE pack.

Quite a few riders from other countries are also in the fray in this event, which gets off to a mass start at 6.00 pm today.

Al Reef Stables, who emerged as the top-ranked stable in the 2003-04 season with a huge tally of 3414 points, and Al Wathba Stables who finished second with 1717, are both well represented in the two rides which sees the UAE season resume after a long gap. The Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation is sponsoring both rides which is being organised by the Emirates International Endurance Racing.