Al Saadi tops strong field to win Dukhan Climbers’ Race

Doha: Despite aggressive racing by Team Doha Cycling, it was Rasen Adventure Shop’s Bilal Al Saadi who took the win at the first of the domestic season’s road events on Friday, The Dukhan Climbers’ Race.

Rasen were put on the defensive for much of the 82 kilometer-route with Doha Cycling using the undulating course and cross-winds to launch attacks and forcing the rest to give chase. 

Ahmad Al Bordainy had been notably active. It wasn’t clear whether his repeated efforts to ride away from the bunch were long-range attempts at a solo victory,or part of a coordinated team plan to weaken the opposition but, either way, it worked. Time and again, the other teams were forced to expend energy, only to face a Doha Cycling counter-attack when the catch was made.

However, Doha Cycling didn’t have it all their way. Al Saadi and Lee Jones (Team Al Jassra) were able to follow the moves despite the lack of team support and Al Saadi looked the most comfortable up the short climbs.

By the final lap, Rasen had lost two riders, Chris Murrin (Team Al Jassra) had crashed out, and the bunch was split with a 30 second gap to a chasing group containing Jamison Carino (Carbon Wheels Racing). 

Carino was certainly the unknown quantity. He has made a rapid rise from C grade racing; winning his first B races and placing second in the expats’ national championship last season. On the strength of these results, the organisers refused his application to the B race on Friday. He is a powerfully built rider with a strong sprint but inexperienced at this level.

Going into the final six kilometers and turning back into the wind, the lead group eased up long enough for the chasers to regain contact. These ten would contest the win.

The Dukhan Climbers’ race is unique in Qatar for having an uphill finish. This 600 meter drag sorted the remaining riders in order of ability and fatigue and it was Bilal Al Saadi and Mouchine Rhaili (Team Doha Cycling) who made the final cut.

In the last meters, Al Saadi’s wheel was in front. Finding himself blocked as the barriers closed in, Rhaili threw up his hand in protest and frustration but had to concede.

Next on the road, Jamison Carino out-sprinted two rivals for the remaining place on the podium.

Participation in this event reflected the growth in cycling and sales of high-performance road bikes. A record 200 started in this sold-out race. That including a record number of novice racers and Qatari cyclists. Qatar Cycling Federation’s next event is a 20 kilometer time trial tomorrow evening and road racing will resume in December.

The calendar can be found at www.qatarcycling.org/events.