Abu Dhabi: Talal Al Hashemi, technical affairs director of Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and a key person behind the Abu Dhabi Tour, was a relieved man on Sunday.
Hailing the Abu Dhabi Tour’s success after the inaugural event came to an end under lights at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, Al Hashemi said: “I think for the year we can proudly say that we have done a good job. The media response was tremendous, top riders came in to participate, fans turned up, so it was successful. More importantly, we did things in the right way and it shows our organizational capability.”
The event also overcame a bit of adverse publicity initially with some of the riders complaining about the timing of the race considering the rising mercury levels.
Al Hashemi accepted that some stages were testing for the riders, but was quick to add they are already in the process of changing the timings for the next season. “There was a lot of talk about the heat and yes, I agree with that. However, all the riders finished the race hale and hearty. Yes, I can assure you that we will be talking with UCI to do the race in better weather next year.”
Jabel Hafeet stage was the highlight of this season’s Tour with the riders put in to the challenge of covering a 11.7 km climb to finish under sweltering conditions. Considering the vast geographical advantage and rich heritage, there will be more such challenging route in the coming season, revealed Al Hashemi.
“Every year, you will see some or the other new element added to the Tour and Jabel Hafeet was one of it. There are other iconic places which we would like the riders and the world to see,” said Hashemi, adding that the floodlit race around the Yas Marina Circuit, would however be an yearly feature.
“We would like this race under lights to go on. It is a spectacle to race at this beautiful circuit and I’m sure the riders love it as well. Most of the riders are happy and the feedback has been good. They were asking about the Saadiyat Island and wanted to know more about places like Liwa, Jabel Hafeet and so on.”
Hashemi also felt that the experience gained by the UAE national team riders and Sky Dubai would be a huge boost and will inspire more youths to take up cycling.
“It would have been tough for local teams but it is a beginning and this is the only way we can find our very own top professional rider. Inshallah, that dream will also come true soon.”
Ahmad Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Marketing Director of Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), said Abu Dhabi had managed to gain the mileage that it had hoped for. “The TV viewership was good and I believe our sponsors also got their money’s worth. I would like to thank them for all their support. There was live coverage for the event which was a huge plus,” felt Al Qubaisi.
