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news
Tour of Qatar logo.jpgTour of Qatar cancelled despite recent promotion to UCI WorldTour
The Tour of Qatar and Ladies Tour of Qatar have been cancelled due to difficulties attracting sponsors. Part of the UCI Asia Tour until 2016, the 2017 men’s edition had recently been upgraded to UCI WorldTour status.
Run since 2002 by Tour de France organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the Tour of Qatar found a niche for itself as a flat stage race which provided riders with good preparation for the Classics.
Tom Boonen recorded the most overall wins, emerging victorious on four occasions, while Mark Cavendish won his second title in what would prove to be the final edition earlier this year.
A UCI statement about the cancellation reads: “The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has today received notice of the cancellation of both the Tour of Qatar and Ladies Tour of Qatar. It is understood the decision follows difficulty attracting sponsor financial support.”
The 2016 World Championships were also held in Qatar and only saw small numbers of fans turning out to watch. "It's a shame to stand on the podium and realise that there are more reporters than fans present," said Tony Martin after winning the team time trial with Etixx-Quick Step.
The news comes as pro cycling prepares to welcome Bahrain-Merida and UAE Abu Dhabi, the first two WorldTour teams from the Gulf.
Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.
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8 comments
Awavey, you can't drink alcohol in sight of a football pitch. Have you seen corporate hospitality?
Also, I'm currently drinking a Duvel in my front room which is opposite a football pitch in the park. Am i to expect a SWAT team?
Not a fit country to hold them. This might give a bit more context...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/11/19/norwegian-c...
awful and imagine a world cup that will be dry ...
I have a feeling Scotland will qualify for the first World Cup since 1990. They will be drawn in the group stage against the Republic of Ireland.
No drink. Highest incidence of fair skinned gingers in the world. Seriously hot and sunny.
It just doesn't work does it.
it will be alcohol free Budweiser,UEFA bans alcohol sales at Champions league/Europa cup games,just sells alcohol free, and you cant drink alcohol in sight of any football pitch in the UK anyway, whilst FIFAs only concern appears to be poppies...but it wont be that unusual drinks wise for the Brits if they qualify.
and Im sure there will be lots of urgent calls received from the likes of Mr Haig in the communications room
and just think where the farce of a world cup will be played ...
Good to see sponsors not fooled by the hype etc and that they do have the power if they have the guts to stand up ....
Of course the two ME teams are both sponsored by States (so are Man City, PSG etc) and is this really how anyone wants to see sport ?
perhaps all the fans in qatar will play 5 a side instead...if they can make up 2 teams
The Worlds were a disgrace to cycling. I thought the change of guard at the UCI was going to herald in a new era but how wrong I was. Nothing has changed (bike design/weight rules, rider safety, etc.) and the headlong rush to line individuals' pockets at the cost of the sport continues unabated. Glad to see the ToQ abandoned, bloody rubbish.
Gosh, I sound grumpy today. Must be the first day back at work!