Qatar’s National Cycling team has made leaps forward during its summer campaign in Europe. This nascent squad, competing against experienced European Teams at UCI Continental level, were participating at a higher level than most of them had previously encountered. This plays a big role in the riders’ development for their long-term goals, such as the upcoming Asian Games 2022, and ultimately paving the road to Asian Games 2030.

Team Qatar was based out of their Novo Mesto training camp in Slovenia. Cycling fans have marveled at the strength of Slovenian Cycling in recent years, with two Grand Tour winners in Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic dominant in the sport. The country, with a population size only that of Doha, offers terrain and facilities which are ideal for world-class cycling development. It is no accident that the World Tour giants, Team Bahrain Victorious, also choose to be based out of the capital city, Ljubljana. TBV honoured Qatar Cycling Federation’s Secretary General, Mr. Thani Al Zarraa, with a tour of their facilities – giving a first-hand opportunity to discover what is needed to keep a team winning at the top of the sport.

For seven weeks in July and August, Team Qatar developed a race-craft in several local races in Slovenia, the most prestigious of which was a UCI accredited road race in Kranj. Head Coach Szymon Wasiak explains his strategy, “Although we came to Europe to train, we have also put a lot of emphasis on racing. We have had already a third weekend of competition, gaining much-needed experience, for all, not just riders, as we have had a long break from proper international races.