The Muslim Brotherhood’s political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, has staged a bicycle race in Alexandria to “promote sports among the Egyptian youth.”

The race, from El-Montaza district to the Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria, included 150 youth participants.

“We aim to encourage the Egyptian youth to exercise and be involved in sports, to benefit from their energy and make the most of it,” the party’s youth secretary, Mohamed El-Barqouqi, said.

“We are trying to prevent them from sapping their energy in drug addiction and other such harmful things.”

According to analysts, the Freedom and Justice Party is a frontrunner to gain the upper hand in People’s Assembly elections later this month.

It has on several occasions tried to ease worries over its Islamic orientation, saying it would promote democracy and values of equality in Egyptian society.

In May, the Muslim Brotherhood said it intended to establish sports clubs, including football teams to take part in domestic competitions.