+ A
A -
Tribune News Network
Doha
Dutch, multiple Tour De France stage winner, Erik Dekker took victory in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) MTB Elite Race at the second edition of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge in Qatar this weekend.
Dekker won in the Qatar Cyclist Centre organised event in 1.11:39s over the new 38.6km course that included six testing sand dunes.
New Zealand's Roman Van Uden and French national MTB marathon champion Frederic Gombert came in second and third respectively in the UCI elite race, in times of 1h14m53 and 1h22m59.
A delighted Dekker said,"I love the race, I love the challenge. I broke from the pack already 3 km after the start near the 1st dune. I waited for Van Uden since it is long way to ride alone for 30 km, but then realised I was much faster on the dunes."
Dekker, who was in Qatar with his wife continued;"It is really nice to come to Qatar from Europe at this time of year. Qatar has great weather, city and beautiful desert... it's great to combine your visit of the country with the event. I would recommend it to everyone."
The women's event was won by Qatar resident, Pia Sundstedt with a time of 1h30m03s. The Finish mountain bike star, who won multiple UCI MTB World Cup's during her career beat Australia's Julie Melville respectively.
Pia commented,"As a rider experience it was perfect... the atmosphere is amazing. The new finish was nice, especially the last sand dune, from where you could see the water and the finish line. Riding down the dune was real fun. I had a support from my husband and son. We all enjoyed in the event."
In addition to the elite's, the race also saw over 240 amateur riders register and 200 compete on the day. Riders competed in mountain bike, fat bike and Qatari national's categories.
The rapid growth of cycling in Qatar, was reflected by the 30 Qatari nationals, who took to the start line of this epic desert challenge. The battle for the title of top Qatari rider was very tight, with victory decided on the last sand dune of the race. The first three riders came to finish line in the gap of 20 second with Mubarak Alajji taking victory from Saleh Almuhannadi and Ahamd Alsubaey. The Qatari ladies event was won by Tala Abujbara.
The race organisers spiced up the event with race inside the race on the 800 meters long sandy patch. The"Garmin Sinking Sand" section was won by Dekker who managed to get out the most of his special sand bike.
Omar al Jaber, Director of Shared Services at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), the principle partner of the event commented,"The Al Adaid Desert Challenge's ability to draw participants from 15 countries and 39 different nationalities to a hidden gem in the Qatari desert, is testament to the power of sport in bringing people together to share unique challenges and experiences. QTA is delighted to be supporting a sporting event which promises to contribute to the growing sports tourism sub-sector in Qatar." He added,"We are particularly proud of the Al Adaid Challenge as a Qatari-owned and founded initiative, which has steadily grown over the years."
Event Managing Director, Dr. Jamal al Khanji added:"I would like to thank everybody who came to the event from all around the world to participate. It was very interesting race and I hope all the riders enjoyed it. We are happy that our event is growing bigger by the year. This would not be possible without our sponsors and supporters Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Tourism Authority, QNB, Ethicon, Ooredoo, Rayyan water, Qatar Cycling Federation, Mawater, Rassen Sport, GMC, Garmin, Royal Riviera Hotel, Carbon Wheels and Qatar Airways."
President of Qatar Cyclists Center, the organising body, Dr. Abdulaziz al Kuwari said,"This race is the most important event for Qatar Cyclists. It is a very special event for the nation as it is hosted in one of our most beautiful and iconic locations in the desert, Khor Al Adaid.
"We really enjoyed organising the event, as it presents a unique challenge for participants, both local and the growing number of international participants, travelling from afar to take on this new must do race on the UCI MTB calendar. Taking care of cyclists in this remote location represents a real challenge.
"We collaborate with several authorities and organisations in order to organise this beautiful event.
"The family friendly atmosphere at the finish line gave participants another experience to enjoy a peaceful beautiful scenic view with a kids race at the end to try to promote healthy lifestyle for kids."
Results
Elite - UCI C3
Men: 1. Erik Dekker (Netherlands) 1:24:55; 2. Roman Van Uden (New Zealand) 1:25:27; 3. Frederic Gombert (France) 1:25:59.
Women: 1. Pia Sundstedt (Finland) 1:47:00; 2. Sophie Giovane (France) 2:06:23.
Mountainbike
Men: 1. Glenn Bull (Australia) 1:41:14; 2. Fawaz al Hichan (Qatar) 1:55:06; 3. Max Caparanga (Philippines) 2:00:52; 4. Mehdi Mersni (Tunisia) 2:02:16; 5. Abdulaziz al Kuwari (Qatar) 2:02:58.
Women: 1. Julie Melville (Australia) 2:24:03; 2. Tessa du Toit (South Africa) 2:33:00;
3. Carla Pregigueiro (Spain) 2:43:52.
