The excitement continued in the Asian Road Cycling Championship “Al-Qassim 2026” for the seventh day in a row, as the city of Buraidah witnessed crucial races for the elite and Paralympic categories, amidst wide participation from the most prominent Asian teams and strong competition that reflects the importance of the continental event.
In the day's most notable race, Kazakhstani cyclist Yevgeny Fedorov secured the gold medal in the elite men's individual road race over 156 km, completing the distance in 3 hours, 25 minutes, and 17 seconds. The race was fiercely contested until the final meters, with Chinese cyclist Su Haoyu finishing just three seconds behind, clocking a time of 3:25:20 to claim the silver medal. Emirati cyclist Abdullah Jassim Al Ali completed the podium, winning the bronze medal with a time of 3:26:21, adding another achievement to Emirati cycling.
General context and importance of the championship
The Asian Road Cycling Championships are among the most important sporting events on the continent, organized by the Asian Cycling Confederation and attracting elite cyclists from around the world. The “Al-Qassim 2026” edition holds particular significance as it is part of a series of major sporting events hosted by Saudi Arabia, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for sports and tourism. The championships also serve as a crucial qualifying event for participating athletes, awarding ranking points that contribute to their qualification for world championships and the Olympic Games.
Thai athlete shines in Paralympic race
The competitions weren't limited to the elite category; the day also featured the 2.6km mixed Paralympic race, which demonstrated the clear dominance of the Thai team. Team Thailand (1) secured first place and the gold medal with a time of 50 minutes and 31 seconds. The South Korean team came in second, winning the silver medal with a time of 50:40, while Team Thailand (2) reaffirmed its superiority in this category by taking third place and the bronze medal with a time of 1:04:27.
Expected impact of the event
Hosting this continental event in the Qassim region not only enhances the area's sports infrastructure but also contributes to spreading cycling culture among the local community and encouraging young talent. Regionally, the championship solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a key player in organizing major sporting events, while internationally, it highlights the level of development that cycling has reached in Asia. The championship competitions continue in the coming days, with great anticipation surrounding the remaining races, which conclude on February 13th.
