UAE's Mohammed Al Balooshi impresses in Spain to lead FIM Cross-Country Bajas World Cup

Sport360 staff 18:49 25/07/2018
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  • On top of the world: Mohammed Al Balooshi

    UAE’s motocross rider Mohammed Al Balooshi added yet another special achievement to his successful career by finishing in 10th in the Baja Aragon to put him top of the FIM Bajas World Cup standings.

    The rally was the second round of the competition and his finish in Spain puts him at the top of the standings on 26 points, six clear of second-placed Michael Metge and Joan Pedrosa in third with 17.

    His performance was even more impressive considering he started the Baja in 38th position after a temporary early stage set back during the Super Special stage. However, the UAE champion was able regain strength and climb up the standings to make up ground over the two days.

    “It was a really tough rally,” said Al Balooshi. “The competition was intense with so many top riders from Europe, the terrain was difficult to read going and with permanent changes through mountains, valleys, riverbeds, very hard and rocky areas. We had it all.

    “And on top of that, we went from very warm weather to riding under heavy rain which was very risky. It was something that is new to me, with reduced visibility and surfaces so slippery that at points was like racing on ice.”

    He added: “I won’t exaggerate if I said that one round of Aragon Rally is as tough as the toughest round of Dakar. And then also in Dakar the terrain is in general unknown to most of the competitors, while here there is a huge amount of super experienced riders who are very familiar with the terrain as well as they train and race in the area very frequently. It was an awesome experience, very challenging, and I’m very happy with the results we achieved.”

    Al Balooshi who is the first Emirati to top the Bajas World Championship is hoping to complete the job in the final round in Hungary next month. However, his dream of getting his hands on the world title could be over unless sponsors step in and offer financial support.

    “My next mission is to compete in Hungary the final round of the World Cup, and for this I really need the financial support from our sponsors in this short period,” he added.

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