staddoha.com
Nayef Al Mesallam claimed top honours at the Qatar MTB National Championship that was held last Friday.
Al Mesallam clocked 1:42:32 for his effort while Abdullah Al Jaaidi and Marwan Al Jalham came second and third respectively.
“We faced challenges from the Corona pandemic and the speed of obtaining approval from the concerned authorities in organizing the race on the planned date,” said Mubarak Al Mohannadi, Qatar Cyclists Center Vice-President.
“But this race of running and off-road bikes across difficult desert terrain is one of our main focusses. We are glad to have been able to hold it after missing last year, even if it was short notice for competitors.”
The stand-out performances came from Finnish Olympian, Pia Sundstedt. Pia easily won the women’s veteran mountain bike category, but she actually was faster than the third-placed competitor in the men’s category.
Nordic veteran Sara Talia won the women’s run overall with a time of 1:34:17.
“Sometimes in a race you forget that you’re racing. You’re just in the moment, you are one with the elements around you. It’s just you, your body, mind and soul connecting,” said Sara.