Musab, Kathy triumph in OCA's season finale

Muscat: Young Omani rider Musab Al Rashdi and Kathy McEachan of the U.K. took the top honours in the ASA Race, the final event of Oman Cycling Association’s 2017-18 season, here recently.
The 70-km Al Amerat-Salil-Al Amerat race produced some fierce competition for top places among a large number of participants.
In the Elite competition for 28 to 40 year-olds, Musab Al Rashdi overcame a stiff challenge from fellow Omani rider Sultan Al Mamari in sprint finish to clinch the first place.
Aseel Al Riyami settled for third place, completing a clean sweep of top places by the Omani riders.
In the women’s category, Kathy McEachan finished ahead of Molly McDaniel of the U.S. and Japan’s Shinobu Shikano won the third place.
**media[858606]**
In the Masters competition for riders anove 40 years of age, Samuel Catamby of the Philippines was the first to cross the finish line. He was followed by Gregory Pollard of the U.S. and Neil Coxon of the U.K. in that order.
Later durring a simple yet impressive closing ceremony, OCA chief Saif Al Rashdi handed over the prizes.
The OCA successfully organised the race thanks to the supporter of Abeer Hospital, Mistal, Cleopatra Opticals and Oman Bicycle Shop.
There was a special contribution from the Noble Volunteers Group, a student group from OTC, who helped the riders to manouver safely through the overbridge in Salil.
Arab tourney
Meanwhile,the OCA also revealed the schedule of cycling events for the 2018-19 season. The new season is likely to kick off during Ramadhan with a 50km night race but that will depend on the sponsors.
The OCA also said the Sultanate will host the Arabian MTB Championships in November this year.
The three-day championships will see riders from across the Arab countries taking part in the event.

Results (top three)
Women:
1. Kathy McEachan (UK)
2. Molly McDaniel (USA)
3. Shinobu Shikano (JPN)

Elite:
1. Musab Al Rashdi (OMA)
2. Sultan Al Mamari (OMA)
3. Aseel Al Riyami (OMA)

Masters:
1. Samuel Catamby (PHI)
2. Gregory Pollard (USA)
3. Neil Coxon (UK)

Cadet:
1. Mundhir Al Hasani (OMA)
2. Ziad Sadik (OMA)