By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
Dozens of mountain bikers from different expatriate communities in Qatar are expected to compete at the individual time trial in Mesaieed tomorrow, an event which will benefit families affected by super typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban City, Philippines.
Farhan al-Sayed, a keen supporter of extreme sports and founder of Qatar Chain Reaction (QCR), has invited all mountain bikers and enthusiasts to test their skills and endurance. The competition dubbed as “Wet and Dry at Mesaieed Trails 2013” will start at exactly 7am.
Participants can join any of the three categories: the Open category will take about 10 laps, five for the Weekend Warriors and three for Women. One lap is approximately around 3.5km of mixed hardpack, soft sand and muddy trails.
Top three winners will receive trophies while 4th to 10th placers will get medals. Finishers will be given certificates and a chance to win in a special raffle draw.
While sponsoring many of extreme sports in the country, al-Sayed said he wants to promote biking and skateboarding among residents: an advocacy of his father which he had continued. The late Salem al-Sayed was the first bike champion in Qatar in 1960.
He also wants to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports to Qataris and expatriates as well.
QCR has organised numerous bike exhibitions, races and rides for a cause to help calamity victims in the Philippines.
Al Sayed is expecting a large contingent from the Filipino bikers tomorrow like the recent time trial in Lusail International Circuit grounds.
He said some Filipinos have won a number of races this year. The Qatari also hopes to unite all Filipino bikers in Qatar under one umbrella organisation.
Reiterating HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s efforts in making Qatar a sports capital of Asia, he earlier announced that Qatar is hosting the “Cycling World Cup” in 2016 and “this will make the country to be cycling hub in this region.”
Farhan al-Sayed leads the awarding ceremony in one of the bike races recently.
