NEOM TITAN Desert Returns for Third Year Featuring Saudi Talent on a Global Stage

NEOM Beach Games has returned to Bajdah Mountain Village to host the NEOM TITAN Desert, marking the third consecutive year of this world-class cycling event in NEOM. From an impressive field of 242 competitive riders representing 24 nationalities, Luis Leon Sacnchez and Tessa Kortekaas claimed victory after navigating NEOM’s challenging desert terrain over four intense stages.
For the first time, the final stage of the NEOM TITAN Desert took the cyclists through NEOM’s Nature Reserve. This stretch of the course offered a unique experience for riders as they traversed vast landscapes that are natural habitats to a variety of wildlife.
Among the international icons competing in the NEOM TITAN Desert were 12 professional riders, including Slovakia’s Peter Sagan – the three-time World Champion and 12-time stage winner at the Tour de France – and Italy’s Daniel Oss, who boasts 16 Grand Tour appearances. Their participation highlights NEOM’s growing reputation as a premier destination for elite sporting events.
In partnership with the Saudi Cycling Federation, NEOM enabled 20 Saudi athletes to compete on a global stage alongside world-class competitors. Among them was Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team Cyclist and Moroj Adil, a returning participant at the NEOM Beach Games. Their presence reiterated NEOM’s commitment to fostering local talent.
NEOM Sports Managing Director, Jan Paterson, commented: “With events like NEOM TITAN Desert, NEOM strengthens its reputation as a hub for world-class sports, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. The competitions under the NEOM Beach Games banner continue to draw the world’s finest talent, further establishing NEOM’s credibility and trust in supporting high-performance athletic events.”
TITAN World Series CEO, Jesus Garcia, added: “As with every year, NEOM never ceases to amaze us. This is our third TITAN Desert here and we continue to be astonished by the beauty and unique identity of this territory. It has been a record-breaking edition, with 242 TITANs riding spectacular desert landscapes and enjoying the superior comforts of the TITAN Mountain Camp. They are all winners for crossing the finish line of this extraordinary adventure. Congratulations to all of them. We are counting the days to be part of this wonderful experience again.”
The NEOM Beach Games continued with the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup NEOM on November 23. Making its first appearance at the Games, the event will bring the third edition of this multisport event to a close.