Ali Ilyas claims second gold medal in Almaty

LAHORE: After winning a historic gold medal on Saturday in the individual time trial, the country’s premier cyclist Ali Ilyas on Sunday added to his feathers when he took his second gold in the Road Scratch Race in the Asian Road Cycling Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Karachi-born Ali covered a distance of 61.4 kilometres in one hour and 26 minutes, showcasing his exceptional endurance and speed.

“It was a tough race,” Ali told ‘The News’ after his super show.

“It was sprint finish as it was too close with Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong following me,” Ali said.

“There was a difference of just seconds. It was scorching heat as temperature rose to 47 degree Celsius and I had even developed cramps in my legs. It was a tough task but thanks God I emerged victorious in the end,” Ali said.

“Yesterday in individual time trial I was the fastest rider among 80 participants and opponents had done great team work and had made strategy against me. I had a tough time as an individual but I kept my nerves and finished the race at the summit with the grace of God,” Ali said.

Ali will travel to Dubai on June 13 to spend Eid there before returning to Karachi on June 20.

Ali, who also serves SSGC, has established himself as a fine athlete in Pakistan’s cycling history.

He owns a business in Karachi and cycling is his passion. During an interaction with this correspondent a few years ago Ali said that he would one day hoist his country’s flag high in international circuit and his performance in the Almaty event reflects his determination and steely nerves.

Pakistan Cycling Federation’s (PCF) president Syed Azhar Ali Shah was full of praise for Ali.

“It’s a fine achievement. Ali is in great form and he made Pakistan proud,” Shah told The News from Almaty.

“This is a historic tour for federation and for the country. The issue is that cycling is a very expensive game and you need top equipment and resources. We will keep doing whatever we can for the promotion of the game,” Shah said.

“Ali has not only made history but has also inspired countless young athletes across the country,” Shah said.

The PCF is facing huge issues at home as Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) does not recognise it despite the fact that it is affiliated with the world cycling governing body (UCI).

Pakistani cyclists were deprived of featuring in the last year’s Asian Games in Hangzhou. And again cycling is not there in the 14th South Asian Games which Pakistan is going to host in early 2025.