Qatar International Endurocross Concludes Busy First Round

Doha, October 30 (QNA) - The first round of Qatar International Endurocross concluded on Friday. The first round took place at Sealine. Some 60 racers from 13 countries took part in the first round. Kuwaiti racers dominated the E1 category, with Mohammed Jafaar took first place from his compatriots Mushari Abu Shabeh and Muath Al Ansari. Jafaar expressed his delight at the start he made at the competition, praising the organization of the competition. He stressed that he came to Doha to win, but praised second-placed Abu Shabeh saying who provided a strong challenge for the top spot. Qatari racer Mohammed Abu Issa said the event the perfect preparation for Rally Dakar, which kicks off at the beginning of next year. The Qatar racer said he aims to win Dakkar this time around, after coming fourth in the latest edition. He thanked QMMF for their support and expressed his hope of representing Qatar positively in coming competitions. The racers were divided into four different categories; E1, E2, Veterans and Quads. For the newcomer in this championship, the South African Ross Runnalls won the two racers of the first round in the E2 category. Commenting on his victory, Runnals said "the track was good; it was a fun experience to come out here to Qatar. I found the track tricky today specially with the water and the side vision with the goggles I had some issues but all in all it was a good day." Emirates' Mohammed Al Balooshi came in second and was satisfied with his performance. "I lead for 3-4 laps but then I got really tired and two guys passed me, Ryan and Ross, I kept up the pace and I finished second. I am happy." In the Veterans category, the winner was Tomi Sarivaara from Finland. Canada's rider Luc Dubois finished second and Yannic Le Governed from France finished third in veterans. As for the Quads category, Britain's Paul Holmes won and expressed his delight at the result. "The race was good, it was difficult but it was fun," he said. (QNA)