The Pinoy Mountain Bikers of Qatar (PMTB-Qatar), a Filipino organisation promoting and supporting mountain bike events in the Gulf state, conducted the Riding in Tandem (Team Doubles) XC Marathon on the trail near the perimeter wall of the Losail International Circuit last Friday. The event was part of the PMTB-Qatar Team Workx Race project and was held with the support of PMTB-Qatar’s major sub groups — Team Pogi and Al Ahli Boys and Girls. Besides promoting teamwork and camaraderie, the race was organised to raise money for Ernest Benedict Bautista, a member of the Beatz and Bytes dance group, who needs a liver transplant in the Philippines. The collected funds will be handed over to his parents on March 27. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, founder of Qatar Cyclist, was also there to give an inspiring message before the race. “We are happy to see the community of MTB growing rapidly, thanks to the efforts of the cycling community. We are very proud to support this well organised race,” Al Kuwari said. Altogether 152 riders took part in the well-attended event. Representatives from sponsors like, College of North Atlantic Qatar, Magic Shine, Skate Shack, Al Rayyan Water, Graphitees, Amazing Waffles, Al Majid Jawad, and Al Dar Optics were also present. Winners of the three categories, Elite Class (3laps/75km), Weekend Warriors (2laps/50km), Novice Class (1lap/25km) were awarded by Ferhan Al Sayed, Founder of Qatar Extreme Sports, and Richard Billedo, Cultural Attaché of The Philippine Embassy in Qatar.
