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Cyclists from across the Gulf kicked off the first leg of the 'Tour of the GCC' in Bahrain which is set to end in Dubai this coming Sunday.
Organised by the Bahrain Cycling Association, the riders, having tackled the kingdom on Friday and Saturday, will also cycle through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates in a sporting effort to show unity in the region.
BCA president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said: "The Tour of the GCC is a unique event and the first of its kind in the Middle East.
"It is a dream to many cyclists as it will emulate the Tour de France, a pinnacle of cycling, and enable cyclists to enjoy their sport at a higher level. The event will also demonstrate the unity of the Gulf and its people.
"You see, cyclists are not ordinary people as they always push the limit - like runners in a marathon do.
"I feel cycling is one of those sports that deserves recognition and hopefully with the GCC Cycling Tour not only will we bond with our neighboring countries we will also bring greater awareness of the sport to the Gulf."
Each country is being represented by 10 top cyclists, resulting in a starting pack of 50 that will ride for 11 days, through nine stages, covering a total distance of 800km.
The first stage took place in Bahrain. The prologue was a race against the clock in which the cyclists rode individually and the first stage was a circuit race in which they rode in teams for 90 kms.
Cyclists set off on the second and third legs in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, moving onto the fourth stage in Doha. The fifth leg is in Abu Dhabi and the sixth in Sohar, Oman. From Oman, riders will cycle onto the final stages which will be held in Al Fujairah and then Dubai.
Supported by Bapco and main sponsor Riffa Views, the Tour of the GCC is expected to become an annual event which may expand to include international cycling stars in the future.
Shaikh Khalid said: "We have been very fortunate to get the proper sponsorship because as you know without it arranging such an event would be difficult, especially in a style that is acceptable.
"We want to make sure that we are ready for next year and before we can focus on going abroad we must build the foundations."
Robert Garbutt, editor of one of the sport's leading magazines, Cycling Weekly, believes there could be a golden opportunity for the Gulf. He said: "There is a gap in the cycling season at this time of the year and if the tour secures the right sponsorship it could really take off.
"November is not the typical time for cycling; then again Bahrain is not a typical cycling destination either. However, there are many adventurous riders who would probably be interested in taking part once it is open to them."
According to Shaikh Khalid, this event is not all about winning, more a case of sending out a positive message to the world that cycling and sport can unite people. He said: "Cycling should be invested in as it is growing in the Gulf. We are constantly competing with cars and other vehicles causing us to be squeezed out.
"Hopefully this event will prove to everyone that we are still here and cycling can bring a lot of benefits to Bahrain such as tourism.
"We receive a lot of enquiries about cycling in the kingdom from people planning on moving here or simply coming for a visit. I get about two or three emails a month from cyclists that are moving and want to continue riding in a friendly environment.
"This just goes to show that there is an interest in cycling and with the added sport in Bahrain we can finally stop complaining that there is nothing to do in the kingdom.
"By raising the awareness and showing how much cycling has evolved in the Gulf, we hope to instigate the formation of a proper infrastructure for cycling and even acquire a track."
Bahrain on top
BAHRAIN led by veteran rider Jamal Al Dossary, came on top in the first of the eight-leg GCC Cycling Tour in seven hours, 44 minutes and 52 seconds.
The kingdom was just seven seconds ahead of the UAE who came second after a mass collision on the finishing line which led to the withdrawal of two riders.
Saudi Arabia bagged third place overall, while Qatar were fourth and Oman fifth.
Individually, Bahrain came second through Ali Hassan Mansoor who completed the 90km race in two hours, 34 minutes and 55 seconds, behind winner Bader Mohammed Mirza (2:34:49) of the UAE while Mohammed Hussain Al Marwi (2:34:57), also of the UAE, finished third.
