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Weekend of Asia Triathlon Cup Doha 2021 concludes at Lusail Marina

Weekend of Asia Triathlon Cup Doha 2021 concludes at Lusail Marina

Alkass Digital

A record number of entries were featured in the public event of the QNB Asia Triathlon Cup Doha 2021 at Lusail Marina yesterday.

A total of 288 entries on Saturday were seen in action in the “Adult and Junior” categories while 57 boys and girls took part in the “Youth Run”.

A huge crowd turned out on Saturday to support the participants who featured in 22 competitions.

Yesterday’s competitions – organized by Qatar Triathlon Federation (QTF) – took place a day after the same venue staged the international elite race which was held on Friday.

The prizes were given away by QTF President Dr Mohammed Al Kuwari, Secretary-General Thani Al Zarraa and Fatma Al Ghanim, QTF Board member. Representatives of the event sponsors were also present.

Spanish athlete Aday Alvarez Diez De on Saturday topped the field in the men’s 30-39 class, edging chief rival Bernard McCullagh to the top spot. Tomas Perucca claimed the third spot.

Aday’s winning time was 57 minutes 35 seconds while McCullagh (58:39) and Peruccca (59:17) were also impressive in their outings. Aday also featured in the Elite Class competitions held on Friday.

“Yesterday I featured in the Elite Class. I was so tired but I felt motivated to be here,” Aday said.

“I felt strong in the swim and the bike and then I ran well also. I am so happy that there was a great crowd out today.

“The organization of the two events was great. I want to thank the sponsors and community members for back these events,” he added. 

McCullagh said yesterday: “I really had a good race. I can’t fault myself in any way. I had a good swim, a good bike and a good run but today I was beaten by somebody who was better.” 

McCullagh praised the organisers for a “top show”. 

He said: “It is a great atmosphere. It’s great for Qatar to have the elite race backed by this event the next day. It was a top weekend.” 

In the women’s 30-39 class, Toni Snoxell topped the field to bag a gold medal in a time of 1 hour 9 minutes and 11 seconds. Adeline Cormary (1:10.34) won the silver while Rebecca Page clinched the bronze (1:10.39).

In the Qatari Men’s class, Eid Al Bordaini (gold, 1:02.44) was joined by Mubarak Alajji (silver, 1:04.14) and Mohammed Ajlan Al Kuwari (bronze, 1:04.22) on the podium.

In the GCC Men’s class, Kuwait’s Abdulaziz Alduaij (gold, 1:02.14)) was joined by Qatar’s Eid Al Bordaini (silver, 1:02.44) and Kuwait’s Abdullah Alrefae (bronze, 1:03.06). In the GCC Women’s competition, Kuwait’s Huda Alsaleh (gold, 1:14.25), compatriot Nada Aljeraiwi (silver, 1:18.58)) and Qatar’s Caroline Van Aartrijk (bronze, 1:19.24) completed the top three.

The participating athletes were Qatar-based or from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE.

Athletes covered distances of 750m (swim), 20km (bike) and 5km (run). The competition started at 7:30 am and ended two hours later at the stunning modern cityscape of Lusail Marina.

Over the course of two days, athletes shared a prize pot of $30,000.

The QNB Asia Triathlon Cup, Doha 2021 was supported by event title sponsor QNB, event partners Qatari Diar, NTT, Rayyan Water, Sports Corner and Rasen Sports and institutional partner Qatar Olympic Committee.

“I would like to thank everybody who has been involved with this triathlon weekend. The QTF staff and the volunteers worked tirelessly to put together what was a spectacular weekend,” QTF President Al Kuwari said.

“A special thanks to our sponsors QNB for their support. I take this opportunity to thank our co-sponsors also,” he added.