Mountain bike race to encourage Omanis to take up cycling

Muscat: Spreading awareness about the benefits of cycling in Oman is one of the aims of the Trans Hajar Mountain Bike Race, which is being organised by the Oman Cycling Association (OCA) next month.
To be held from February 22 to 25, the 321-kilometre route will take riders across some of the Sultanate’s most spectacular and rugged landscape, with challenging climbs, descents and customised single-track racing through the eastern Hajar Mountains.
Saif bin Sabaa Al Rushaidi, director of the OCA, said during a press conference that one of the aims of the four-day race will be to spread awareness about the importance of cycling and its health benefits. He said young Omanis in particular will be encouraged to take part in the race, whatever their experience may be.
This year, there is also the possibility of local schools being allowed to participate in the race, Rob Gardner, manager of the race, explained. Gardner said schools will have to make bikes available for children to use on an alternative track. “Children will be able to meet professional riders and their local idols, giving them someone to look up to and to show them what kind of dedication is needed to excel.”
In addition, locals might also be allowed to come and join the race for a day. The race is now also open to non-competitive riders, who want to join in the fun, he added.
Chris Boardman, a famous cyclist from the United Kingdom, and an advocate of increasing the role of cycling as a means of transport, told the Times of Oman (TOO) that events, such as the Trans Hajar Race, make cycling visible to the general public.
“Such races encourage people to go andw try the sport themselves or simply start cycling to work. It normalises cycling, as it is constantly visible,” he added.
Noting the health benefits of cycling, Boardman stressed the potential of Oman for developing a healthier lifestyle by using bicycles.
“What you need in a car-oriented society, which has the desire to change into a more cycle- oriented society,” he added.
Boardman said the change would also help counter the problem of obesity, just as it does in the United Kingdom.
Events, such as the Trans Hajar Race and the Tour of Oman have already helped to create awareness and improved cycling infrastructure in Oman. Al Rushaidi, director of the OCA, told TOO.
“Oman is not yet a cycling nation, but awareness has gained momentum and we are on track to improve the infrastructure,” he stated. Al Rushaidi said that the creation of new cycling paths in Muttrah, Azaiba and Seeb are just the beginning of such improvements.