Were there any muslims competing in the race? In fact, I don't recall any cycling races in the middle east, do you? With the spread of islam through western culture, what impact will it have on such sporting events?
No. I don’t know of any muslins in the pro cycling teams. I am sure there probably is one. The Pro Cycling Tour does go to the Middle East very early in the spring, while it is still very cold in Europe and have races in Qatar, UAE, etc. They come back to Europe in about late March and April and start what they call the Spring Classics, which are ridden in cold, wet, sometimes snow, lots of times rain. But the early season starts with the Tour Down Under and then goes to the middle east. As for what the muzzie impact on the races will be, I think they, the muzzies as they take over, will allow the races to continue. Since they sponsor and bring the big teams and big name riders down to the middle east each spring, I would assume they like cycling and would allow it to continue in some form. I basically like cycling because at my age (over 60 okay!!), it is something I can still do with less pain than other sports. I have had five surgeries in the past six years, so rehabbing on the bike is helpful and better than say running. You can choose an easier gear to peddle and ride fairly smooth roads with no hills. We do have some nice hills here in east Alabama and North Georgia Mountains are nice to ride in.