The Asian Games in Incheon have not yielded great results for the UAE team. As the first week comes to a close, Sheikh Juma bin Dalmook's bronze medal in shooting is the only Emirati podium finish.
Yousif Mirza will attempt to add to that tally on Saturday.
On Tuesday, the UAE’s top cyclist narrowly missed a bronze in the men’s Omnium, finishing fourth in the two-day, six-race event.
Mirza, 25, recalled the close call philosophically.
"This is a huge tournament and I came up against some excellent opponents, like the ones from China, Japan and South Korea," he said. "I thank God that I was able to participate at such a high standard."
Mirza performed heroically in the last of the six races, finishing second. He had led after the first, 15-kilometre scratch race, but inconsistent times in the middle four races (sixth, eighth, 10th, 10th) cost him what would have been the UAE’s first medal.
“I gave it my best effort. There was not much more I could do,” he said. “I think there were times when luck went against me. You need a bit of luck sometimes in these events.
“The last race was a very tough one, but I achieved second place. I lost by such a small margin, only three points. I was happy to perform so well but, of course, there is disappointment when you get that close to a medal. Hopefully, I can make it up in the coming days.”
Far from feeling sorry for himself, Mirza is back on his bike and looking forward to the next challenge: the 140km road race on Saturday.
Before landing in South Korea, a six-week training camp in France, during which Mirza took part in some tough road races, had him feeling confident. The results exceeded expectations.
The rider has long considered the road race in Incheon as the one with the highest probability of medal success for him.
“I am looking forward to the race,” Mirza said. “All the preparations of the last few years, this is what it’s for. I will give my best to win a medal for my country.”
Looking ahead, Mirza will be heading to the Arab Cycling Games in Algeria in October, where he will hope to get on the podium.
He concedes that his experience in Incheon will be difficult to eclipse.
“If I’m honest, I’d say the Asian Games is by far the most important tournament I have taken part in,” he said.
“It has allowed me to judge myself against some of the best cyclists in Asia. As I said, it’s not over yet. The tournament goes on for me.”
Mirza is approaching what usually are considered the peak years of a cyclist’s career, and one ambition – beyond all the regional participations – remains at the top of his list.
“The 2016 Olympic Games is the ultimate aim for me,” he said. “The preparation and qualification start next year and I am hoping that I will again be representing the UAE cycling team in Rio.”
If he does that, or continues to succeed at regional level, Mirza could give cycling yet another major boost across the Emirates.
In recent years, the sport has slowly established a foothold in the country. More and more riding clubs and tracks are available for amateur riders. Earlier this year, the inaugural Dubai Tour – which Mirza took part in – ran between February 5 and 8 to the backdrop of some the city's most recognisable landmarks.
Mirza said he believes that individual cycling pursuits are on track to become a major sport in a country where team sports, football in particular, traditionally attract most of the attention.
“We have to take it step by step,” he said. “But our country’s leaders have been so generous in funding the sport and now it’s growing all the time.”
With more accessibility, Mirza said that more Emiratis and expatriates are discovering the joys of cycling.
“It is very noticeable that in recent years more and more cyclists are falling in love with the sport,” he said.
A medal for Mirza in Incheon and the trickle of interest in the sport might turn into a flood.
akhaled@thenational.ae
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