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Pedaling for glory in the desert

The Tour of Qatar has given cyclists the opportunity to test themselves in extreme conditions, including sandstorms.

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The start of the second stage in the Tour of Qatar 2015 was at the Wakrah Port.
By Sorin Furcoi
Published On 12 Feb 2015

Al Wakrah, Qatar – Cycling is still recovering and trying to rebuild from years of drug-related controversies.

The biggest one involved seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, who was found guilty of doping. Armstrong was stripped of his titles and banned for life by the sport’s governing body.

But individuals and teams have not given up hope yet.

Australia’s Orica GreenEdge team was formed four years ago and is one of the fresh faces in the world of cycling, keen to put the controversies aside and bring out the seriousness of the sport and the demands it puts on the cyclists.

The Tour of Qatar, a six-stage race, runs for a total of 773.4km. It takes the riders through deserts, historical sites, a beach resort, a time trial track before culminating at Doha’s corniche.

The real test for the cyclists, however, comes in the form of the sandstorms, dryness and heat along the desert route.

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Fishermen welcomed the cycling teams.
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It might look simple on the surface - just pedal away - but cyclists need to do a lot of planning before the start of each race … including some vital paperwork and getting familiar with the route.
Perhaps not thinking about joining the racing circuit just yet, but interest in cycling from children was a welcome sight for the organisers. While it might not be possible to carry out those activities outdoors during summer in the region, it is always useful to get an advice or two from the pros.
With the Tour of Qatar stages ranging from a 10km time trial to 194km cycling in the desert, the mental preparation has played a key role.
Apart from riders, every team has some 50 support staff including mechanics, trainers and support vehicle drivers.
As a competitor, you can't take a breather. This rider's injury is being treated on the track … while he is still racing.
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Competing in a field of close to 200 riders, over a 195km stage, stamina, determination and a whole lot of courage is needed to be part of the tour.
The real test for the cyclists during the Tour of Qatar 2015 has come in the form of the sandstorms, dryness and heat of the desert route.