Mirza proud to represent UAE Abu Dhabi team

dubai — Yousif Mirza, the first Emirati professional cyclist to race for a world team, is delighted to have got the chance to represent the UAE Abu Dhabi team at the 2017 Dubai Tour.

Mirza, the 2015 Asian Cycling Championships silver medallist who made history last year by qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics, can’t wait to rub shoulders with world-class cyclists in Dubai. “It will be a good experience and a good challenge for me. We are proud to have a team here in this event. Tomorrow it will be the first race for us,” Mirza told Khaleej Times during an interview on Monday.

“My teammates participated in the race in Argentina. We won two stages in Argentina. So that gives us lot of confidence. We want to continue that form in Dubai.”

The Khor Fakkan-born cyclist also shared his experience of training with British great Mark Cavendish. “I practised with him four-five hours at the Hatta road. It was windy, but we had a great time. It was really nice to ride with Mark,” Mirza smiled.

The 28-year-old cyclist then revealed his future goals.

“Yes, I am very proud of the fact I represented the UAE in the Olympics. But now I want to put the past behind and plan for the future because I want to keep improving as a cyclist,” he said.

“The Dubai event gives me a wonderful opportunity to test myself against some of the best riders in the world. Events like these will help me prepare for the next Olympics in Tokyo.”

rituraj@khaleejtimes.com

Yes, I am very proud of the fact I represented the UAE in the Olympics But now I want to put the past behind and plan for the future because I want to keep improving as a cyclist Yousif Mirza, UAE cyclist