Some 120 cyclists participated in a race organised by QCR on Friday. PICTURE: Tarek Lagha.
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
The quality of road surface in Qatar is one of the best in the world for cycling races, Qatar Chain Reaction (QCR) founding member Ben Keane told Gulf Times.
Keane, who rides with Giant GMS racing team, was commenting on the increasing popularity of cycling in the country with the staging of various races since last year.
QCR had organised a series of competitions since the start of September. About 120 participants joined the race on Friday at Al Rafaa street (Cermonial Road).
People from different nationalities in Qatar take part in most of the races. Keane said he allows beginners on the roads only after they have significantly improved.
“The roads in Qatar are some of the best that I have ridden and are great for cycling,” he noted. “It is not any more dangerous than riding in Europe and in saying that, you need to be on guard constantly, both here and at home”.
Keane said a velodrome is needed to encourage young Qataris to take up cycling. An arena for track cycling, he said that its temperature controlled environment makes the velodrome a “perfect venue” to train enthusiasts at an early age.
The recent announcement that Qatar will have a Cycling School of Excellence soon will also help make the sport become more popular, Keane said.
“Cycling in Qatar is still very much in its infancy at a local level, but with the School of Excellence, the World Championships in 2016, the fantastic weather here all year round I believe cycling is about to explode,” he said.
The group also works closely with the local community, private sector and individuals like Farhan al-Sayed besides teaming up with the Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF) in holding races and events.
Asked about inviting racers and teams from other countries, Keane admitted that QCR is not yet recognised by the Qatar Olympic Committee.
This also prevents them from officially seeking sponsorship from big companies.
The absence of a licence also makes it hard to attract cyclists from other countries to take part in QCR’s calendar of events.
But some racers such as Jamie Lowden from Dubai, who also rides for Giant GMS team, had participated in one of the races held in Dukhan last year.
“In any major sporting event, sponsorship is a major consideration. Any and all of these events if organised correctly and safely, cost a lot of money,” he said.
Keane praised the QCF for its yearly Tour of Qatar and Tour of Al Zubara, two of its first class events which attract many participants from around the world.
He said QCF organises local races and Crits in association with QCR. Other cycling groups include Velostar, Qatar Sandstormers, Pinoy Roadies Qatar, Qatar Tri Club and A1 Pocket Qatar. The latest group to set up in Doha is Carbon Wheels.
