Organisers and participants of the event. PICTURES: Jason Abriam
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
The road to victory was too rough for the 50 cyclists who joined the Du’Hill Final Heat XC Eliminator bike competition in Duhail recently.
Going through the “simpler course” maybe easier, but the second stage – the “technical course” – tested the cyclists’ endurance, patience and resourcefulness.
Some suffered from minor bruises as they trailed the 1km road. Many had to use their wits to overcome the challenges.
“It was really a difficult stage,” said one competitor.
However, many of the participants said the event was a friendly and healthy competition for enthusiasts and professional cyclists.
“I just want to bike with Filipino cyclists,” said an Australian biker who has just finished the race.
Organised by the Padyak Qatar and Qatar Chain Reaction, the bike fest was divided into five categories: novice, weekend warriors, open, elite, and women.
“The good thing about this competition is that it boosts their endurance and motivates them to finish the race,” said Joey Appleton, one of the organisers.
He believes that it will inspire many of the cyclists to improve their performance in the next race.
For a novice like Epifanio Gaminde, biking is an opportunity to be with his two sons in a fun-filled, challenging and adventurous sports event in Qatar.
“As a father, I fully support Jamil and Lloyd in whatever that would make them happy. I want them to live a balanced life, to study well, and to have a sport that fits them,” he said.
“Engaging them in sports is one way of instilling different values like discipline, respect and camaraderie,” added Gaminde, whose two sons are both students of the Philippine School of Doha.
Winners included Marcelo Seguin, who recorded the fastest time in the elite category, and Davy Muller, who bagged the Padyak Qatar “King of the Eliminator”.
For the novice, Bernard Binteran took first place, followed by Connor Kelly. Third placed is Idham Jamil.
For the weekend warriors, Millan Kovar came first, followed by Alexis Alabos and Tam Tam Almeda.
The women’s category was dominated by Natalie Van Loggerenderg, followed by Laarni Castillo.
For the open category, Davy Muller won the first place, followed by Mark Mourad and Craig Kelly.
Among those who graced the event was noted Filipino cyclist Howell La Rosa.
Padyak Qatar and Qatar Chain Reaction have previously organised the “Mountain Cross Challenge race for a cause”.
More than 70 cyclists from Malaysia, the UK, the US, Australia and other countries joined the event, which was in December last year.
Funds raised during the bike fest were donated to victims of Typhoon Pablo in the Philippines.
The Philippines embassy has pledged their support for bike fests and other sports events.
BELOW: Two cyclists in action. For many of the competitors in the Du’Hill Final Heat XC Eliminator bike competition, which took place in Duhail, the second ‘technical course’ stage was tough, putting their endurance, patience and resourcefulness to the test.