Bahrain Cycling Academy (Team Bahrain McLaren’s Development team) finished sixth overall in their debut race last week in the Tour of Antalya.
The Academy team included three Bahraini riders Ahmed Madan, Sayed Ahmad and Mansoor Jawad besides Spanish riders Gabriel Reguero and Eusebio Pascual and Azeri rider Elchin Asadov.
The competition was strong with the startlist comprising 29 teams (six riders each) including one World Tour team.
The opening stage was flat, so Grand Classification rider Reguero’s objective was not to lose the time, and that was reached as all riders came in the same time.
The second stage was tough, with cold and rain. Bahrain lost three riders during the stage due to either mechanical problem or illness, but Reguero managed to stay in the front group and finished 20th, again in the same time as the winner.
Uphill
The third stage included an 8km long uphill climb. Having only three riders left in the race it was hard to play team game, but Jawad was of great help to Reguero as well as Pascual. Reguero finished 10th which positioned him seventh overall.
The fourth stage was flat and it was hard to gain any time. Jawad and Pascual supported Reguero the whole race and positioned him to do sprint although he’s not a sprinter. His 21st place on the stage got him sixth place overall.
Sports Director Axel Costa said, “Overall it was great experience for our Bahraini riders, they raced a quality race, we should all be happy with the outcome, and look forward to the future races and the whole season as a big challenge.”
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