UAE riders counting the benefits of cycling against world's best

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  • Majid Al Balooshi is the most experienced Emirati in this year's Tour.

    UAE’s Majid Al Balooshi concedes the gap is wide between the Emirati national team riders and the rest of the field at the Abu Dhabi Tour – but insists they are learning fast.

    The UAE Cycling Federation has fielded it’s second string with Yousif Mirza and the country’s other top cyclists competing in Bangkok at the ACC Track Asia Cup to gather some continental points.

    At 28, Al Balooshi is the eldest in a group of young riders taking part in the Tour and is ranked 73 amongst 100 riders in the general classification heading into Sunday’s fourth and final stage.

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    “Competing against professionals isn’t impossible but it’s very difficult for us. We’re competing against these top guys to gain experience, get exposed to this level, and try to improve. It gives us a chance to see where we stand in comparison to them and to be honest there is a big gulf in level between us and them,” Al Balooshi told Sport360.

    “The federation decided to field young riders this time. It’s good experience for them and hopefully one day they become our future stars. They’ve put in a huge effort and we’re all still alive in the race.

    “The Tour has been great but hopefully they address the timing of the event because the heat has been unbearable. Surely they can find a better time for it.”

    Meanwhile, Skydive Dubai’s Rafaa Chtioui starred in the intermediate sprints in Saturday’s third stage, finishing second in the first sprint by the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and winning the second at Green Mubazzarah.

    The Tunisian lies second in the intermediate sprints overall classification with 13 points, 16 behind black jersey holder Alessandro Bazzana of UnitedHealthcare, and two ahead of fellow Skydive Dubai rider Soufiane Haddi.

    “The climb was really, really tough,” said a breathless Chtioui.

    “The peloton wouldn’t let the breakaway stay too far ahead, the gap I had on them was barely two minutes, compared to four minutes or more in other stages. They made sure we were close together today.

    “I had no chance today and the weather was tougher as well.

    “Still it’s been a great Tour. Organisation is world-class, these are the same people who are behind the Giro d’Italia and you really feel this race is just as good.”

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