Pedalling to glory

Bahrain’s first professional cyclist Ahmed Madan hopes his recent exploits on the roads of Hungary will inspire more young people to jump on a saddle and race, writes Abu George.

He successfully participated in the challenging ‘Tour de Hongrie’ where he cycled over 792km and 7,954 vertical metres across mountainous terrain in Central Europe.

Reflecting on his debut, Madan, anxious before the start of the five-stage race because of reduced training during Ramadan, witnessed the highs and lows of the sport on the first day of competition.

Caught up by a crash, meant he was separated from his teammates but his misery was replaced by joy when the team told him that his teammate Phil Bauhaus had claimed victory in the sprint.

“There aren’t many riders that get to see their team enjoy a win on the first day of their first race,” said Madan. “The ride on the team bus home was great fun and lively with the squad celebrating the victory.”

Day Two proved challenging too. It was almost a case of déjà vu when approximately 25km into the race, he had to turn sharply onto a grass verge to avoid a crash in front of him. Despite taking evasive action he was struck by the flying bike from a competitor who had flipped off the machine. 

As the race continued the Bahraini was forced to stand on the side while a mechanic fixed his bike.

Determined to support his teammates, he battled hard to re-join the race. Having regained his breath, he gathered with the team before taking his turn leading the race at the head of the peloton. 

He admitted to smiling when seeing the Eurosport cameraman focusing on him at the front although this was nothing compared to the elation he experienced later. 

His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs, who founded the team, shared a similar picture on Instagram while expressing his pride at Madan’s performance. 

This gave the young star a genuine lift and additional energy the following day in which he was Victorious’ representative to chase down a breakaway – a stage again won by Bauhaus in Bahrain’s colours. 

The Queen fourth stage involved more than 200km in the saddle and two ascents of Hungary’s highest mountain, Kékes. Madan, along with colleague Marcel Sieberg, led the Team Bahrain Victorious efforts to protect the yellow jersey up the first ascent. Unfortunately on the descent, a gear issue meant he had to change bike.

The final day was a criterium that involved 12 loops of the beautiful and historic centre of Budapest.

Along with teammate Santiago Buitrago Sanchez, he helped lead the peloton for eight laps, an experience that he expressed as a ‘career high’. 

“The passion and energy of the Hungarian crowds, from small villages until the final day in the capital, was incredible and gave all the riders a lift,” added Madan.

He was happy to repay the enthusiasm of the crowds. One day he was captured on international television handing his water bottle to a young fan after the end of the stage.

Madan explained: “I was delighted to thank her for supporting the race and, hopefully, the gesture will inspire another future racer!”

Back in his training home of Andorra, Madan was able to reflect on the incredible experience. 

“I am grateful for the support of the coaches and directeur sportif, Neil Stephens, who visited me before the race to settle my nerves and relieve the tension,” he said.

“Sharing a room with British rider Fred Wright was a fun experience, as were mealtimes during which I was able to explain to the team about the concept of halal meat! The energy and camaraderie within the team was incredible and one of the main reasons I felt Team Bahrain Victorious was so successful.”

Madan is now back rebuilding his strength ahead of a two-week training camp. The day he spoke to GulfWeekly, he had just completed a three-hour mountain climb.

Madan is now looking forward to the Tour de France which starts on June 26. While he will not be competing in the race, he is hoping to be back in Andorra in time for the 15th stage which will be raced there, allowing him the opportunity to catch up with his team and cheer on the competitors.

Ultimately it is his aim to be racing alongside them again soon ... and ultimately, one day winning a Grand Tour.