Hassan and Aisha clinch NAS cycling titles

Emirati cyclist Saeed Hassan captured the men’s amateur title, while countrywoman Aisha Fulad claimed the women’s amateur crown and Lithuanian Akvile Gedraityte powered to victory in the women’s open during a thrilling 74-kilometre cycling race of the 13th Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Sports Tournament.

Considered as the largest sports event of its kind during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the tournament is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence. Directed by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the event runs under the inspiring theme “Limitless Capabilities”, hosting an elite roster of local and international athletes at the iconic NAS Sports Complex.

The men’s amateur cycling race delivered a breathtaking photo-finish, with the top three riders crossing the line in the exact same second.

Emirati Saeed Hassan Safar of the Dubai Police team secured first place with a time of 01:34:57, narrowly edging out his compatriot Mohammed Haitham with an identical time, while Khalid Ibrahim Ali rounded off the podium for a clean sweep of the Dubai Police team.

In the women’s amateur category, Emirati Aisha Fulad stamped her supremacy early on, crossing the finish line in a time of 2:01:38 to take gold, followed by Al Ghalia Askar in second place (02:04:14), while Hamda Bin Hamad came in third place with 02:04:15 in a highly tactical race defined by tight margins.

International expertise was on full display in the women’s open race with Lithuanian Akvile Gedraityte representing Dubai Police taking the top spot with an impressive time of 01:48:41.

She was closely trailed by her Lithuanian teammate Olivia Bisset, who finished just one second behind (01:48:42), while British rider Isabel Nicole Darby claimed the bronze (01:51:19).

The masters women’s division saw Portuguese cyclist Tania Rodrigues power her way to gold with a time of 02:01:34, while French rider Anne Kha followed in second (02:04:14), and Emirati Moza Salem Al Mansoori proudly took third place (02:04:46).

Away from the track, the NAS Obstacle Challenge (OCR 400m) delivered intense displays of strength and agility.

In the men’s division on the opening day, it was Russian Sergei Perelygin laying down the gauntlet while claiming top honours with a blistering time of 03:29. He was chased by Emirati Tariq Habtoor, who secured second in 03:52, while Moroccan Ayoub El Hamji finished third in 04:11.

The second day of the women’s competition was also dominated by Russian athletes with Alisa Petrova claiming the top place in a firm time of 03:43, followed by her compatriot Olga Kobiiko (03:48), while Norwegian Signe Karoline Kolsto secured third place (03:49).

Meanwhile, the NAS Sports Tournament will continue its intensive schedule this week with the following events:

The Badminton Championship will conclude at the main NAS Sports Complex arena. Simultaneously, the Gulf Padel Championship will kick off, while the Obstacle Challenge Race will continue ahead of its grand finale on February 24.

Tuesday will feature the Juniors and Youth categories for boys and girls, with weigh-ins from 4 to 6 pm, while the bouts will commence at 9 pm. The adult categories will follow the same schedule on February 25.