Szymon Wasiak and Julie Melville won the second race of the 2018-2019 Qatar MTB League on Friday at the Losail International Circuit motocross route.
The recent heavy rains had flooded many parts of the 5km race route, which was previously also a venue for the Qatar’s Cross-Country Rally super special stage, and the event was in danger of being cancelled.
However, last minute changes, including building a temporary bridge to cross the water channel, by the organisers — UFMBQ and Qatar Cycling Federation — made the event possible.
Nonetheless, in some parts of the course, the water was unavoidable and the riders had to tackle the puddles, muddy patches and streams of water which made this race challenging.
First and last part of the course also featured elements of motocross route, appreciated by 150 riders who started the race.
Australian Melville of Rasen Sports took the lead of the women’s open race until she suffered a puncture half-way. After changing the wheel, she fell back to fourth. However, she slowly gained back the lead and with a hard lap, won by more than two minutes in front of April Frange (APO bikers Qatar) and Olga Robes (Ten-O-Mile), both of the Philippines.
Men’s open race was intense from the start. Polish rider Wasiak (UCI coaches) had a fast start and was feeling comfortable at the front until he crashed on a technical section of the course. He was caught by Briton Tom Whateley (Velostar). Both riders rode together for the last few laps. A close sprint decided the winner with Wasiak taking the honours.
Third place was also fought hard with Lebanese Marc Mourad (Rasen Sports) winning the hair pin corner and uphill sprint finish with Clark Andrada (SMCC Apo Lakay) of the Philippines finishing fourth.
Earlier in the day, first to start were the Beginners and Kids aged under 16 who had to tackle one lap. The beginner’s race was won by Filipino rider Veejay Juelar (Team Pogi + Ganda), while the top woman was Lea Legan from Slovenia.
Kids U16 race was won by Indonesian Aditya Prasetyo. Participation in the kids race has seen a growth compared to previous races.
The other two races (Age group, All Women and Open) were 1-hour ‘do as many laps as you can’ mini endurance race format.
In an U23 race, Qatar national team rider Bilal al-Saadi took the honours, followed by his teammate Mohamed Abougabarah and Filipino Johndale Galang (BPMQ).
U40 race was dominated by Qatari nationals Marwan al-Jalham and Mubarak al-Alajji (both team Rasen Sports) in front of Filipino rider Justo Jumel (BPMQ).
U50 race saw an all-Filipino podium with Revelito Pasion (SMCC Apo Lakay) winning ahead of Renante Siatan (El Padyakero) in second and Nelson Mabag (Colorumboys) in third.
50+ race podium was also all Filipino which was won by Ronnie Saclin (SMCC Apo Lakay). Franklin Rubin (BPMQ) and Joel Marmolejo (El Padyakero) came second and third respectively.
Contestants from the Philippines also locked out the Women Weekend Warrior category with sisters Alessandra and Katrian Agcaoili finishing first and second respectively, with their teammate Veronica Inserto (all El Padyakero) in third.
Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation secretary-general Jamal al-Kuwari gave away the prizes.
The organisers thanked the Losail Circuit Sports Club, and sponsors Rayyan Water and Rasen Adventure Shop. The organisers intimated that the Ministry of Culture and Sports through the Qatar Sports For All Federation is now supporting UFMBQ in its community events such as the Qatar MTB League races. The third event of the Qatar Mountain Bike League will happen at the end of this month in Al Khor.
The winners pose with their medals.
