The next big thing is here!

Manama : HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will officially unveil today the eagerly-anticipated Bahrain Merida Cycling Team. 

The event will witness the unveiling of the team’s strategic plans, its goals and ambitions by Shaikh Nasser, the Captain of the team. 

On his part, Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Cycling Association, stated that the launch of the Cycling Team represents a quantum leap in cycling for the Kingdom and praised Shaikh Nasser’s directives to improve this sport. 

“It’s one of the most important steps implemented for cycling sport in Bahrain, as bringing international cyclists with global-recognition in this sport and an important gain for the country. This will definitely highly position the country in this sport,” Shaikh Khalid said, adding: “We in the Bahrain Cycling Association, will devote all our abilities for the team and are keen to benefit of the team cyclists’ experiences as we are looking to lay down a solid foundation to improve this sport in the Kingdom and reduce the gap between our cyclists and the international ones.”

Italian professional bicycle racer Vincenzo Nibali expressed his utmost pride at representing Merida Cycling Team, affirming that the team’s future is bright thanks to the group of racers who will be racing for the team. Considered one of the strongest stage race riders in the world today, Nibali has 14-years of experience under his belt as a professional cyclist, during which he has won many grand tours, including Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana. 

“I am very excited for this new journey and keen to continue on the same path in this sport. Bahrain is a great country and its people are distinguished with their passion for cycling sport. A testament to this is the number of people who flocked to see  the training session held yesterday. We are looking to write a successful first chapter in the team history and to build a new identity under the leadership of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.”

A practice race was held yesterday amid wide participation from local and foreign cyclists, including a large number of Saudi professional and amateur cyclists. 

The race was instructed to be held by Shaikh Nasser and organised by Bahrain Road Runners. Covering a distance of 46 km, the event began from Sofitel Hotel, passing by Bahrain International Circuit and the Royal Stables. 

It ended from where it started with Shaikh Nasser praising the level of performances showcased in the event, applauding the Bahraini cyclists.

Moreover, Bahrain International Triathlon Team member Nawaf Al Dhaen lauded the formation of Bahrain Merdia Cycling Team, while Saudi cyclist Mohammed Al Yousif, who participated in the practice race, hailed the Kingdom’s initiatve to launch the team.