Nasr-Dubai’s Essaid Abelouache has been enjoying a successful first four months with the Emirati professional cycling team and hopes to keep his form up as he eyes a spot on Morocco’s Olympic squad.
The 27-year-old has already qualified for this summer’s Games in Rio but he must wait for the cycling federation and Olympic committee in Morocco to choose the three riders who will be representing the North African nation in Brazil.
He doesn’t have much to worry about though considering the results he’s been having with the newly-formed Nasr-Dubai.
Abelouache, who was part of an all-Arab squad that competed at last week’s Tour of Mersin in Turkey, wrapped up the four-day race by winning the final stage, grabbing the Points Classification sprinter’s jersey and finishing fifth overall in the General Classification.
Nasr-Dubai came to life last January with the main goal of raising the level of Emirati riders and giving them the opportunity to compete in professional races around the world.
The outfit includes a mix of cyclists from the UAE – headlined by the country’s No1 rider Yousif Mirza – North Africa, as well as more experienced European pros like Tomas Vaiktus and Luka Wackermann.
The 27-year-old has already qualified for this summer’s Games in Rio.
Since the launch of the Continental Team, Nasr-Dubai have amassed 27 different wins, more than any other squad around the world so far this season.
Abelouache is proud of the team’s strong start and was thrilled to taste success with his Arab team-mates in Mersin last week.
“That was the first time to have six Emiratis, myself and Algerian rider Adil Barbari, competing together representing Al Nasr. All eight riders competing in Turkey were Arab,” the Moroccan told Sport360.
“Thank God we did well, it was a very strong showing on our part. I was third in the second stage and I won the last stage and got the sprint jersey and fifth in the GC while Yousif Mirza was second in the last stage.
“The main goal is to improve the level of local Emirati riders and so far, things have been going great.
“There is a very cool spirit amongst us despite the fact that the team is barely five months old.”
Abelouache was recommended by Mirza when the team was being put together end of last year and he is grateful for the opportunity.
“I’m really happy to be part of this team. Al Nasr have a lot of resources and capabilities. It’s important to stay in shape throughout the season especially that we have a full calendar, besides the Olympics,” said Abelouache, whose next race is a tour in Azerbaijan, from May 4-8.
“I’m focused on every single detail, from my nutrition to my
fitness, to how I sleep, and it also helps to have a steady monthly paycheck thanks to riding for this team.
“It would be a huge honour to compete at the Olympics and hopefully I’ll get picked. Rio will be a tough race, it’s very long, over 250km. But I’m looking forward to not just represent Morocco, but also Al Nasr, there.”
