02.12.2008
Cycling legend Eddy Merckx has given his wholehearted support to Doha’s Bid to host the Olympic Games in 2016.
Speaking on a recent visit to Doha, exactly 35 years to the day since he set the hour record in Mexico City in 1972, Merckx said: “Doha 2016 is a wonderful opportunity to bring peace to the Middle East; to bring people together through sport; to let athletes do the talking.”
Merckx, 62, from Belgium, is still regarded as the greatest and most successful cyclist of all time, setting several world cycling records, some of which remain unbroken to this day.
A regular visitor to Doha, Merckx enthuses about Qatar’s attitude to sport, especially for youngsters. “Qatar as a country pushes for sport. No other country in the world is doing what Qatar is doing for sport – especially for kids.”
“As a child, sport is a great school of life. It shows you that just talent is not enough – you also have to work very hard. If you’re a lawyer, you stay a lawyer for life. As a sportsman or sportswomen, you have to start every season at the beginning again. It’s hard to become the best, but it’s even more difficult to stay the best year after year.”
Merckx’s links with Qatar started after he was invited to the country to organize a cycling stage race for the Middle East.
“In 2001, His Highness Sheikh Tameem wanted to organize a cycling race after seeing the Tour de France. I came to Doha to meet Sheikh Tameem, then traveled around Qatar to see whether the race was feasible. It certainly was, so we then organized the first stage race in the Middle East.”
Merckx also supports Doha’s plan to hold the Games outside the summer months: “I was riding in the 1964 Tokyo Games, which were held in October. In Doha, in October, the weather conditions are absolutely perfect for sport.”
“Doha is an excellent venue for high-level sport. Lots of cycling teams want to come to Doha to train. It’s a great place to train at the beginning of the season – great weather, no big time difference.”
He added: “Of course, there are also incredible sports facilities in Doha. Aspire is very impressive – there’s nothing like this in any other country.”
Merckx also had fond memories of the Doha 2006 Asian Games: “The whole event was excellent: great organization, perfect security, spectacular opening ceremony.”
Merckx concluded by paying tribute to the Doha 2016 Bid Chairman: “I have known Hassan Ali Bin Ali for some years and I know that he – and therefore the Doha 2016 Bid – is 100% committed to developing Qatari champions. He is especially focused on young people. Sport is great for kids – it’s simply the best medicine.”