Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

Qatar MX Challenge was in charge of the Qatar Cycling Tour a few months ago, four-time MX World Champion Georges Jobe was the man behind the whole idea of promoting international motocross in this country. The race came as a bit of a surprise to some, but, interestingly, Qatar could have been a part of this year's World Championship Series were it not for the fact that there was no national federation (one has since been created). That being the case. the FIM didn't feel comfortable in assigning a 2002 Qatar GP, though one should not be a problem for 2003 (Jobe confirmed that it's pretty much a go). In addition to a probable GP (it will likely be the opener, as temperatures get too high later in the year). Qatar looks set to host the 2003 Motocross des Nations. With no '02 GP possible, the decision was made to nonetheless hold an international race called 2002 Qatar MX Challenge. Jobe worked hard to get a good entry list, and he was successful, as such riders as former 500cc STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIO MARINI DOHA, QATAR, MAR. 27·28 ust days after round one of the MX GP Series, the European circus traveled to the unlikely locale of the Middle East to discover an uncontaminated MX land in the little peninsula of Qatar. a small and independent Emirate in the Persian Gulf. right in the heart of the Arabian continent. Land of sheiks, oil, sand, camels and beautiful horses, Qatar is using motocross as part of a wide sports program that has been planned to bring more attention to this little, rich Islamic land. The Middle East is under the spotlight due to a variety of unfortunate and sad events, and in Qatar, the government is working hard to convert this negative tendency and open their door to the world. Several top sport meetings are organized every two weeks in Doha (the Capital), with the collaboration of international promoters or former champions. So, following in the steps of cycling god Eddie Mercxs, who (Above) It's not typical, but It's cool: The Middle Eastem Qatar MX was laid out on a seaside sand dune. (Right! Josh Coppins rode his Honda to a "Inner-up finish In Qatar, which he may be visiting next year for a GP and the Motocross des NatIons. (Below left) Thanks to wins In twoofth.... motos, Joel $meta eamed the overall victory. BRIEFLY••• The man in Qatar who made this whole race happen is Sheikh Khalid bin Ali AI·Thani. a very nice and friendly person who treated the GP group generously and often chatted with the riders in the pits. He also offered a luxurious. exclusive gala dinner the last night in Doha. It looks likely that Qatar will host both a 2003 MX GP and the 2003 MX des Nations. Officials want the events so badly that a number of large banners posted along the track were advertising them (rightJ. even though they're not yet set in stone. The midweek race date seemed strange to some. but it's easily explained by the fact that the Islamic weekend is Thursday and Friday (when the race was held). The setting was quite professional. as the pits were paved and shaded. and electricity and compressed air were available for every bike. Good hospitality completed the comfortable ser· vice at the track. as a huge. air·conditioned tent housed a varied buffet-style food selection. A freestyle MX show was run by popular French rider Xavier Fabre and his friends Luddvic Guillou and Philippe Gros. Unfortunately. Fabre's KTM suffered a technical problem In the middle of a trick. and he retumed to Europe with an injured wrist. Qatar has a population of 600.000 pecple. half of whom are from outside the country. Oil and natural gas provide a luxurious living standard. and. in fact. the govemment provides basic services such as water. electricity and gas for free (citizens pay no taxes). The MX contingent agreed that it's a great country. though they also thought it would be even better if more women were to come out in public. 42 APRIL 24, 2002' CUe • • n e _ so

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