- 11:10
In Sulaimaniyah, the Arab Para-Cycling Championship turned Lebanese: Ahmad El Ghoul claimed gold in the 15 km individual handbike race, just 48 hours after his triumph in the 10 km time trial. Tamara Al-Zein added to the haul with silver in the women’s 20 km ITT.
He locked in the time trial — and confirmed it on the road. Arab time trial champion Ahmad El Ghoul struck again in the 15 km individual handbike race, asserting his dominance. Perfect course reading, clean accelerations, and a metronomic cadence: the Lebanese rider powered straight to a second gold in Sulaimaniyah, sealing a double in less than two days after his victory in the 10 km ITT.
Right behind, Tamara Al-Zein climbed onto the podium with silver in the women’s 20 km time trial — a result that highlights the commitment and progress of the Lebanese team, both on the road and in para-cycling.
The Lebanese delegation — competing in both road and para-cycling events — is led by Federation Vice President Jean Zgheib. With solid logistics, early preparation, and one clear trend: when a Lebanese rider lines up, they come sharp and ready.
What Is Para-Cycling?
Para-cycling brings together cycling events adapted to different types of disabilities, with specific classification categories to ensure fairness. Athletes compete on various adapted bikes: standard bicycles, tandems (for visually impaired riders with a sighted pilot), tricycles, and handbikes.
A handbike is a three-wheeled, reclined cycle powered by the arms using manual cranks. Steering, braking, and gearing are specially adapted — demanding shoulder strength, arm power, and precise handling. Competitions include time trials (ITT) with staggered starts against the clock, and road races, where tactics — drafting, attacks, and bursts — come into play.
In short: to shine, you need strength, endurance… and race smarts. Two areas where El Ghoul clearly left no doubt.
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