Iranian Cyclist Through to Athens Olympics

Saeidi-Tanha is a cyclist from Zanjan, northern Iran.

Consisting of Amir Zargari, Abbas Saeidi-Tanha, Ahad Kazemi, Hossein Asgari, Mahdi Sohrabi, and Alireza Haqi, Iran competed in a 151km tour.                                                                

The first 15 cyclists qualified for the Olympic Games.           

Ali Zangibadi, vice-president of Iran's Cycling Federation, blamed bad luck for not having more representatives in the Athens Olympics.                                                     

Amir Zargari of Iran was among the first 15 cyclists while he was to pedal just 12 kilometers but he faced bad omen as he had to change a flat tire, he added.

The cyclist did his best but finished 17th, regretted Zangiabadi.                                                            

MIZBANI, IRAN'S SOLE CYCLIST IN WORLD CLASS "A" EVENT            

Qader Mizbani is the sole cyclist of Iran, who qualified for the world class "A" meet.                                                

Mizbani is the first-ever cyclist of Iran who got the points needed for the world race.                                           

Cyclists are divided into three professional, class A, and class B categories.                                                          

As a member of foreign teams, Mizbani has already competed in international tournaments.                                           

The Iranian cyclist plans to get more points in the International Cycling Union (UCI) contests and qualify for the Tour de France.     

Mizbani is now a member of a Malaysian team and is allowed to take part in the world races alongside champions Lance Armstrong and Tyler Hamilton. 

KK/SM

End

MNA