The Peninsula
Qatar National Team riders were at the forefront at the first road race of new the Royal Air Maroc Cycling League held at Al Thakira Youth Centre over the weekend.
It was a hotly contested event in more ways than one – the first outing of the season was eagerly awaited and attracted a large turnout of 120 riders and, due to high temperatures and humidity forcing a short 65-km route.
The competitive spirit is 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, we have local riders competing against each other and forming alliances with the strongest racers. This can only be a positive development for cycling in this country,” an official said.
In Race A, it was Abdullah Al Jaaidi (Qatar national team) who dominated, breaking clear of the field and finishing clear with a lead of two and a half minutes over Mouhcine Rhaili (national coaches), in an average speed of just under 40kph.
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).
Race B is a springboard into the Senior Team for Qatar’s younger riders. Nayef Al Messalam (Qatar national team) kept his powder dry while the guapos of Los Gauchos made repeated strong moves to spit the field, and danger-men Fabian Escomel and Max Caparanga (Rasen) forged breakaways.
With just a few kilometers to go through, the bunch of 50 riders was all together and had slowed to cruising speed in anticipation of the finish. It was Al Messalam’s sprint that proved strongest. It is a testament to the broad accessibility of bike racing in Qatar that Nayef was also the first junior rider. Second-placed Dave Jones (Velostar), first senior man, and Jaco Anderson (Rasen) third place and first 50+ age grouper.
Sophie Clarke (Rasen) was the first woman, ahead of Lisa Dunne (Team Al Jassra) with one of the favorites, 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 Race C field, finishing with the bunch and Sondra Hope claiming a top 20 placing to earn her first place in Women B Grade.
Friday’s winners will pull on Scarlet Jersey as new leaders of the Royal Air Maroc League at the second race in Al Guwayriyah at the start of November.