Saudi Arabia hosts its first ever women's cycle race Tuesday April 10,2018

Female riders have taken part in Saudi Arabia's first women's cycling race, surprising many people in the conservative nation and across social media. 

Saudi women cyclists were able to compete in a race held in the city of Jeddah on Tuesday April 10,2018

Forty-seven women competed in the 10-kilometre race, which was organised by Be Active, a group bringing together women cyclists and local authorities

In a statement to local media, race organiser Nadima Abu al-Enein said she was surprised by the number of cyclists in attendance.

"The large participant turnout prompted the organizing committee to increase the allowed number of participants from 30 to 47 girls," she said. "However, the committee was still forced to exclude numerous others who hoped to participate."