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Tribune News Network
DOHA
Qatar National Team riders were at the forefront of the racing in the first road race of the Royal Air Maroc Cycling League, held at Al Thakira Youth Centre.
This was a hotly-contested event in more ways than one – the first outing of the season attracted a large turn-out of 120 riders and the racing was fierce with high temperatures and humidity forcing a short 65-km route.
Competitive spirit has been boosted this season by the emergence of new teams like Qatar Army and the adoption of Qatari Squad riders by established teams. For the first time, local riders were competing against each other and forming alliances with the strongest expat racers. This can only be a positive development for cycling in this country.
In the A race, it was Abdullah al Jaaidi (Qatar National Team) who dominated. Breaking clear of the field and finishing with a lead of two and a half minutes over Mouhcine Rhaili (National Coaches) at an average speed of just under 40 kph, he emerged the winner.
Unable to form an effective chase, Marwan al Jalham (Rasen Adventure Shop) triumphed in the battle for the bronze medal against Chris Murrin (Velostar), Efram Ellenbogan (Team Al Jassra) and Bilal al Saadi (National Team).
The B race is a springboard into the Senior Team for Qatar’s younger riders. Nayef al Messalam (Qatar National Team) kept his powder dry while Los Gauchos repeated strong moves to split the field, and danger-men Fabian Escomel and Max Caparanga (Rasen) forged breakaways. With just a few kilometres to go through, the bunch of 50 riders was all together and had slowed to cruising speed in anticipation of the finish. Here, it was Messalam’s sprint that proved strongest.
It is testament to the broad accessibility of bike racing in Qatar that Nayef was also first junior rider. Second plac went to Dave Jones (Velostar), first senior man, and Jaco Anderson (Rasen) was third, besides the first in 50+ age group.
Sophie Clarke (Rasen) was first woman, ahead of Lisa Dunne (Team Al Jassra) with one of the favourites, Julie Melville (Rasen), out of contention after a puncture in the first lap.
Women’s riding has had a boost this year with rider initiatives to introduce new faces. Three TriClub Doha riders held their own in the C race field, finishing with the bunch and Sandra Hope claiming a top 20 placing to earn her first place in Women B Grade.
Friday’s winners will pull on the Scarlet Jersey as new leaders of the Royal Air Maroc League at the second race in Al Guwayriyah next month.
DOHA
Qatar National Team riders were at the forefront of the racing in the first road race of the Royal Air Maroc Cycling League, held at Al Thakira Youth Centre.
This was a hotly-contested event in more ways than one – the first outing of the season attracted a large turn-out of 120 riders and the racing was fierce with high temperatures and humidity forcing a short 65-km route.
Competitive spirit has been boosted this season by the emergence of new teams like Qatar Army and the adoption of Qatari Squad riders by established teams. For the first time, local riders were competing against each other and forming alliances with the strongest expat racers. This can only be a positive development for cycling in this country.
In the A race, it was Abdullah al Jaaidi (Qatar National Team) who dominated. Breaking clear of the field and finishing with a lead of two and a half minutes over Mouhcine Rhaili (National Coaches) at an average speed of just under 40 kph, he emerged the winner.
Unable to form an effective chase, Marwan al Jalham (Rasen Adventure Shop) triumphed in the battle for the bronze medal against Chris Murrin (Velostar), Efram Ellenbogan (Team Al Jassra) and Bilal al Saadi (National Team).
The B race is a springboard into the Senior Team for Qatar’s younger riders. Nayef al Messalam (Qatar National Team) kept his powder dry while Los Gauchos repeated strong moves to split the field, and danger-men Fabian Escomel and Max Caparanga (Rasen) forged breakaways. With just a few kilometres to go through, the bunch of 50 riders was all together and had slowed to cruising speed in anticipation of the finish. Here, it was Messalam’s sprint that proved strongest.
It is testament to the broad accessibility of bike racing in Qatar that Nayef was also first junior rider. Second plac went to Dave Jones (Velostar), first senior man, and Jaco Anderson (Rasen) was third, besides the first in 50+ age group.
Sophie Clarke (Rasen) was first woman, ahead of Lisa Dunne (Team Al Jassra) with one of the favourites, Julie Melville (Rasen), out of contention after a puncture in the first lap.
Women’s riding has had a boost this year with rider initiatives to introduce new faces. Three TriClub Doha riders held their own in the C race field, finishing with the bunch and Sandra Hope claiming a top 20 placing to earn her first place in Women B Grade.
Friday’s winners will pull on the Scarlet Jersey as new leaders of the Royal Air Maroc League at the second race in Al Guwayriyah next month.
