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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Kurdish cyclers dominated this year's Iraqi Road Cycling Championship, taking place in the Kurdistan Region capital Erbil.
Nineteen Iraqi cycling teams, of which six are Kurdish, are taking part in the three-day championship that started on Thursday.
Three races were held on Thursday at the team level.
Koya Cycling Team, who won the title last year, proved its dominance again in the field, taking first place in the 50km race.
In the 40-kilometre youth race, Duhok placed first.
"Today we won first place and I really was thrilled for that," said a Duhok team cycler. "God willing, I keep this place even in the future.”
In the 15-kilometre women-only race, Newroz Club crossed the finish line first.
One cyclist from Newroz Club said their goal is to compete in Europe.
"As you know, Iraq has until now not participated in international competitions and has not received any invitation to take part in European cycling competitions, but the Newroz Club has received it and thus I returned to the team, and God willing in June and July, I will participate in European championships taking place in Italy."
Newroz Club, based in Sulaimani, has not been beaten for the past 10 years.
An organizer of the championship told Rudaw that "the Kurdistan Region teams, including those of Kirkuk, made very good preparations prior to the competition."
On Friday, individual races will be held.
Nineteen Iraqi cycling teams, of which six are Kurdish, are taking part in the three-day championship that started on Thursday.
Three races were held on Thursday at the team level.
Koya Cycling Team, who won the title last year, proved its dominance again in the field, taking first place in the 50km race.
In the 40-kilometre youth race, Duhok placed first.
"Today we won first place and I really was thrilled for that," said a Duhok team cycler. "God willing, I keep this place even in the future.”
In the 15-kilometre women-only race, Newroz Club crossed the finish line first.
One cyclist from Newroz Club said their goal is to compete in Europe.
"As you know, Iraq has until now not participated in international competitions and has not received any invitation to take part in European cycling competitions, but the Newroz Club has received it and thus I returned to the team, and God willing in June and July, I will participate in European championships taking place in Italy."
Newroz Club, based in Sulaimani, has not been beaten for the past 10 years.
An organizer of the championship told Rudaw that "the Kurdistan Region teams, including those of Kirkuk, made very good preparations prior to the competition."
On Friday, individual races will be held.
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