Qatar riders make progress at Slovenia training camp

Qatari cyclists take part in a time trial amateur race in Slovenia

Qatari riders Diego Hossfeldt and Ahmed Elbourdainy this week took part at an individual time trial race for amateurs, held just before the start of the first stage at the 2012 Tour of Slovenia. The 9km race was held in the capital city Ljubijana, a press release from Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF) said. Ahmed finished in 4th spot whereas Diego ended the short sprint in 10th place. Team coach Branko Filip said: “The two Qatari riders are part of the summer training camp programme. We have already started a number of programmes that we wanted to work on. “We were more focused on technical part of Diego and Ahmed’s ride. At this time we are focusing more on endurance and strength training. After the race, Moosa and Khaleel also joined Diego and Ahmed in the training to complete a five-hour training drill.” He added: “We have good weather here and the training programme is going according to plan. Qatar riders are training with pro rider Blaz Jarc from German team Netapp. He gives them helpful advice. Now we will not participate in events until the 20th of next month. We will only focus on our training of the riders.” Filip said the Qatari cycling squad is currently busy with its skill-building phase on their long summer camp in Slovenia. The squad arrived in Slovenia in the first week of June for what is the first phase of the three-month training camp. “June will be a month skill-building in general and durability,” coach Filip said after his squad landed here. “We have plans to cover distances ranging from 1,500 to 2,000km during this phase,” the coach added. “We are constantly assessing the performance of the riders during training. We will have indoor drills as we go along with night sessions during Ramadan.” The coach said Qatar squad has plans to visit historical places in Slovenia as they continue their training sessions. On the choice of training in hilly stations in Slovenian capital, Filip said: “I have been here before. This is calm Europe at its best. This is a perfect place for training. The region’s top riders come here and our young riders can exchange notes with them. The geographical setting of our camp venue is perfect for cycling and related activities.” Filip said Qatar squad is training with an eye on future events. “The most important thing we talk about among ourselves is we look at Asian and regional events that we will take part in the coming months. We want to do really well in those events.”“I feel very optimistic about our chances at these events. The wonderful support from Qatar Cycling Federation and the efforts of the backroom staff will make a difference. “I want to say a particular ‘thank you’ to QCF President Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani and Secretary General Majid al-Naimi including all federation’s members for their keen support to help cyclists improve on all front.”