RIYADH, 21 February 2003 — To aspiring Riyadh Wheelers members hoping for a top position, the sight of the Saudi National Team’s vehicle pulled into the race car park dashed all their hopes, at the recent BAe Central Region sponsored, 60 km road race.

This slick squad, using the event as training for their upcoming international season, put in a fine display of team riding as they gradually wore down the field in the extremely cold and windy conditions.

A good field of 31 hardy souls faced the time keeper and thankfully the early kilometers were set at a steady pace. Almost predictably, Alan Wood followed his race plan and was the first to put in an attack, quickly putting distance between himself and the remnants of the pack.

Immediately the Saudi squad made their appearance at the front and kept the distance between themselves and Wood to a manageable 200 meters.

Wood, always happier when riding alone, began to feel the effects of his earlier exertions and whereas in the past this move would have worked, this time he had a drilled team to contend with.

Almost hidden amongst the first echelon was Saudi veteran Abdallah Al Sarhani who was enjoying the protection of the young team around him.

The fierce pace set by this elite squad eventually reeled in Wood and had also by this time rid themselves of all other opposition, some through punctures and some through exhaustion.

In a slick one-two move, Wood was quickly dispatched leaving the home team to take the top five positions, with the familiar name of Abdulaziz Shahrani taking the sprint from Al Sarhani.

They were closely followed by Salem, Mussa and Fathi, with Wood coming in a minute later ahead of a battling Phil Green and Edwin Seneres.

In 9th position, the only senior in the field, Leo Fischer, shrugged off the severe conditions to put in a brilliant performance, coming home in front of so many younger riders.

It certainly was a pleasure for the Wheelers to host such a experienced team and I’m sure they will have learned a good lesson in race tactics and bike racing in general.

Results: 1st A. Al Shahrani; 2nd A. Al Sarhani; 3rd Salem; 4th M. Al Qahtani, 5th F. Al Muslem; 6th A. Wood; 7th P. Green; 8th E. Seneres; 9th L. Fischer; 10th G. Morete; 11th J. Sunga; 12th C. Dryden.