+ A
A -
Tribune News Network
DOHA
Dukhan was abuzz with activities as over 100 cyclists went through their motions in the second leg of the Air Maroc League, sponsored by Royal Air Maroc.
The round, organised by Qatar Cycling & Triathlon Federation (QCTF), was held in five categories, including two for women, featuring 107 participants.
For male riders, the race distance was 86 kms in Category A. Every contestant was supposed to finish three laps in road race competition. The riders had to cover 66 kms (2 laps) in the Category B and the Category C was contested over 46kms.
For women, the distance was 66kms in Category A, while the lower category was run over 46kms.
In the first Category A for men, Tom Whateley from Team Velostar edged Qatari cyclist Mohammed Farhan al Farizi narrowly by two seconds to win the title. He clocked 2:12:02, secured the gold medal and the trophy, averaging an impressive 39 kms per hour. Farizi was followed by Fred Watson from Team Velostar in the third spot.
The Category B appeared to be a popular contest for cyclists as majority of the riders opted to race in the middle class. Team Velostar again dominated the first spot with John Hancock clocking 1:47:50 at a rate of 36 kms per hour. Andrew Tangonan from Pinoy Roadies Qatar grabbed the second spot and the silver medal. Walberto Dela Cruz was third to round out the podium.
Zaid Hamza from Qatar national junior team emerged the champion in the Category C after a time of 1:23:52. Saeed al Kuwari finished runner-up to him, while the third place went to Ronald Balorio from PCCQ.
In the women's category A, #AndyBrownProRacing team-mates Julie Melville and Jennifer Gibbons battled for the top spot. It was eventually the former who got home first in 1:47:50. Gibbons had to be satisfied with the silver medal.
Carmel Lord from #AndyBrownProRacing bagged the gold medal in the Category B as she completed the race in 1:26:34. Kathrine Gomez from TriClub Doha and Dorothy Weymouth took the second and third spots, respectively.
