Arab Cycling Championship Kicks Off in Rif Dimashq
The Arab Cycling Championship officially commenced on Sunday in the Yaafour area of Rif Dimashq, featuring a broad participation of cyclists representing 13 Arab nations. The event marks a significant return for regional cycling competitions to Syria, with Damascus hosting the championship for the first time in 19 years; the country last held the event in 2007.
The tournament features a diverse array of races, covering both road and mountain bike competitions. Additionally, the event includes specialized races for athletes with disabilities, highlighting the inclusive nature of the sporting activities. The opening day featured a busy schedule, beginning with individual time trial races for men with disabilities, covering distances between 17 and 30 kilometers. These were followed by individual time trials for other categories, with distances ranging from 17 to 25 kilometers.
Throughout the day, the program also included a series of team time trial races. These included events for junior women over distances of 20 to 30 kilometers, and junior men’s events spanning 20 to 40 kilometers. The day’s activities were set to conclude with a team time trial for the youth category, covering distances between 50 and 70 kilometers. The championship is scheduled to continue until the 13th of the month, with organizers anticipating intense competition among the participating cyclists from across the Arab world.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Assistant Minister of Sports and Youth, Jamal Al-Sharif, and the President of the Arab Cycling Federation, Dr. Yasser Al-Doukhi, alongside various sports figures and enthusiasts. This championship serves as a notable step in the effort to revitalize Syrian sports, host major regional events, and provide a competitive environment for local cyclists to challenge their peers from neighboring Arab countries. Hosting this sporting event is viewed as an indicator of the renewed focus on upgrading sports infrastructure and activating both domestic and international participation across various sports, including cycling, which is receiving increasing attention within national sporting activities.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
