The recently-concluded UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 has raised the profile of cycling in the country, Qatar Chain Reaction (QCR) patron Farhan al-Sayed has said.

“The impact is huge as it is only the second time the major event was hosted by an Asian country (after Tokyo, Japan in 1990) and the first time by an Arab nation,” al-Sayed told Gulf Times.
Such prestigious race also raises the respect for the sport, he said while expressing optimism that more sponsors will come forward to support the increasing number of cycling events and competitions in Qatar.
“The number is growing every year and there are already clashes of events at times,” stressed al-Sayed, adding that cycling is becoming more popular to many residents in Qatar as a sport and a hobby.
Popular locations and roads across the country, which are suitable for such races and competitions, have started to become very busy since the start of this month.
In Duhail, around 100 mountain bikers took part in 2016/2017 season of Qatar Chain Reaction’s MTB Championship recently.
Davy Muller from Belgium won the Men's Grade A event while Marc Mourad from Lebanon came in second followed by Clark Andrade from the Philippines.
In the women’s category, Pia Sundstedt from Finland ruled the Ladies Grade A while Ela Shaw Hickey from the UK won the race in the Ladies Grade B.
Filipinos dominated the Men’s Grade B event by winning the top three places: Glen Gueverra bagged the first followed closely by Jamel Justo and Kian Castaneda finishing in third place.
Al-Sayed expects the number of cycling activities, competitions and events to further increase in the coming weeks.
Al Khor road, The Pearl-Qatar, and the Ceremonial road are some of the busiest locations for cyclists and enthusiasts during this time of the year.
“Cycling helps you to relax from a day’s hard work and it is a means to stay fit,” said al-Sayed, adding that all the new road networks and infrastructure in Qatar are cycle friendly.
Also the founder and patron of Qatar Extreme Sports (QES), he expects a busy season for skateboarding, longboarding, rollerblading and BMX biking events in Qatar during the winter.
“I thank HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for supporting international sporting events in Qatar in the buildup for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar,” he said.
Al-Sayed added that they are also “trying to spread the word” with regards to safety while taking a ride in Qatar such as using helmets, knee and wrist guards, and being cautious on the road. He suggested practicing or riding in groups for the riders to be easily noticed by motorists.