Sports ministry announces details of Saudi Tour 2022 in AlUla

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The Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Cycling Federation hold a joint press conference at the Maraya hall in AlUla. (SPA)
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The Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Cycling Federation hold a joint press conference at the Maraya hall in AlUla. (SPA)
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The Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Cycling Federation hold a joint press conference at the Maraya hall in AlUla. (SPA)
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The Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Cycling Federation hold a joint press conference at the Maraya hall in AlUla. (SPA)
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Updated 17 January 2022
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Sports ministry announces details of Saudi Tour 2022 in AlUla

  • 16 international teams will participate over a total distance of 831.3 km in five stages

RIYADH: The Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Cycling Federation revealed new details of the upcoming Saudi Tour 2022, which is set to be held from Feb. 1 to 5.
16 international teams will participate in the second edition of the cycling tour over a total distance of 831.3 km in five stages, the ministry and the federation said in a joint press conference at the Maraya hall, AlUla on Sunday.
A presentation on the details of the track was given, including the start and end points for each of the five stages. The event is one of the activities of the “Quality of Life” program, which is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives.




The Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Cycling Federation hold a joint press conference at the Maraya hall in AlUla. (SPA)

The first stage will be launched from Winter Park and is 198 km long, the second starts from Taibah University and reaches Abu Rakah with a distance of 163.9 km. The third route starts from Hadaj Well, Tayma, to AlUla Old Town covering 181.2 km.
The fourth stage begins from Winter Park to Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid and is 149.3 km long, and the race will conclude in the fifth stage from AlUla Old Town with a distance of 138.9 km.
Abdulrahman Al-Trairi, spokesman for the Royal Commission for AlUla, said the city has been associated with bicycles since ancient times, which can be seen in the many inscriptions in the area, especially in the direction of Tabuk.


He added that AlUla is characterized by its ancient civilization and unique mountainous landscape, which is what makes the Saudi Tour special.
Al-Trairi said that AlUla is preparing to host many sports tournaments in the coming period, in order to contribute to raising the quality of life in the region.
The race is accompanied by a number of sports events and races, including the mass-participation race, the women’s race, and the junior race organized by the Saudi Cycling Federation, as well as a race dedicated to children.


Medvedev battles into Melbourne third round after early scare

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Medvedev battles into Melbourne third round after early scare

  • Feisty Russian keeps his cool in the sunshine to beat Quentin Halys of France 6-7 (9/11), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just over three hours
MELBOURNE: Three-time runner-up Daniil Medvedev survived an early scare on Wednesday before battling into the Australian Open third round.
The feisty Russian kept his cool in the sunshine to beat Quentin Halys of France 6-7 (9/11), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just over three hours.
The former world number one and 11th seed faces Fabian Marozsan of Hungary next at Melbourne Park.
“It was a very tough match, happy I managed to fight,” said Medvedev, who polished off the match in style with his 14th ace.
“Happy to play some good tennis to win. I still cannot get used exactly to the court and still am missing a little power in my shots.
“But definitely playing better, feeling good.”
The first set against 83rd-ranked Halys was an almighty battle stretching over 68 minutes.
Halys eventually pulled through on the 20th point of a marathon tiebreak, then immediately put pressure on Medvedev’s serve at the start of the second.
The Frenchman duly broke and Medvedev, who has vowed to be more “positive” on court, gave the first fleeting signs of losing his cool.
The 29-year-old, the beaten finalist in 2021, 2022 and 2024, reset and straight away broke back with a terrific two-handed backhand down the line.
The 2021 US Open champion rattled off three games in a row to lead 3-2 and was firmly in the ascendancy as he took the second and third sets to turn the screw on the flagging 29-year-old Halys, before racing away in the fourth.
Medvedev, whose record was poor at the Grand Slams last year, warmed up for another crack at the Melbourne Park title by winning the Brisbane International.
“I need to rebuild my confidence step by step,” Medvedev admitted, referring to his poor recent record in majors.
“Just trying to enjoy it and play some good tennis.”