The Saudi Games sparks a love of cycling and country for double gold medalist

The Saudi Games sparks a love of cycling and country for double gold medalist
Italian expat Elisa Grassi, competing in her second Games, took gold in the women’s road cycling event. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 25 October 2024
Follow

The Saudi Games sparks a love of cycling and country for double gold medalist

The Saudi Games sparks a love of cycling and country for double gold medalist
  • Italian expat Elisa Grassi took gold in the triathlon at the inaugural games and in women’s road cycling this year
  • The 2024 Saudi Games saw over 9,000 athletes compete across 52 categories

The third edition of the Saudi Games ended this month, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of those who took part.

Some 9,000 local and expatriate athletes competed in 52 sporting disciplines, among them Elisa Grassi. The Italian expat, competing in her second Games, took gold in the women’s road cycling event.

Grassi, 28, is originally from northern Italy. A biomedical researcher by profession, she discovered a passion for cycling not at home, but after moving to Saudi Arabia in 2019.

She says embracing cycling was the “best decision” of her life.

“I have always been in sports somehow because I have always been very active or hyperactive when I was a child. But when I moved to Saudi Arabia, I joined some local running races just for fun,” she said.

“After one of many injuries from running, I decided to start cycling for the first time in 2021 and train for triathlon. It was just for fun and without any proper plan until I saw the possibility of competing in the Saudi Games. So I said, ‘Okay, let’s try to take it a little bit more seriously’.”

Grassi’s newfound focus paid off when she won gold in the women’s triathlon — which combines swimming, running, and cycling — in the inaugural edition of the Saudi Games in 2022. The victory convinced her to concentrate solely on cycling, and she signed with the local AlUla sports club.

“Cycling was always my favorite leg in triathlon. And when I got the opportunity to sign with the AlUla club, I was just like, ‘Okay, I’m just gonna focus on cycling’.”

Her love for the sport, along with the support of her friends and clubmates, drove her dedication.

“I wake up happy every day, excited for the training. Even when I’m tired, even when I’m sore, if it’s cycling, I still feel like I want to push.”

Grassi’s preparation for the 2024 Saudi Games involved serious commitment. She would often wake at 2.30 a.m. at weekends to train, and by August her dedication paid off — she came first in qualifying for the Saudi Games women’s road cycling.

“I didn’t know what to expect, honestly,” she said of the qualification race. “I was really reluctant to attack, so I stayed in the peloton until the last lap. And then when we were climbing the first hill, I saw everyone around. The girl in the front was trying to push the group a bit. And I saw that everyone was really tired. And thought, ‘I feel great. Let’s go’.”

With most of her training completed before qualification, Grassi could focus on maintaining her fitness in the lead up to the main event on Oct. 5.

“The race day and the days before were really fun. I really enjoyed being with my teammates in the hotel and training with my coach. The plan and the support for the race was spectacular. I think we did a great job, especially training and racing with my teammate Mashael, who has been racing way longer than me. She’s very smart, knows the techniques, and she’s really experienced, and I just love to learn from her.”

Grassi says there is a strong sense of community and camaraderie within her team, including coach Yahya Al-Shammari and teammate Mashael Al-Hazmi, as well as friend and supporter Manal Ibrahim, who often supported her early morning training sessions.

“I was alone in the qualification. Then in the final, I was with my teammates, especially Mashael, one of my best friends, who arrived second. So I knew that I was not alone.”

Approaching the main event, Grassi studied the course intently to familiarize herself with the route. Armed with her knowledge, a strong support network, and a robust race plan, she attacked at the right moment, accelerating ahead of the peloton and securing a comfortable lead.

“Crossing the finish line was beautiful, and I had all the possible emotions together because so many things happened during the year. I was just so happy and proud of myself that despite all the difficulties, I managed to achieve what I wanted. And also, that I was not alone because it’s a team, and you have the support of the team, and it’s just beautiful. I loved it so much.”

“Coach Yahya actually is the one who suggested that I attack and I was really scared about it. But I guess he believed in me more than (I believed in) me.”

Looking ahead, Grassi is motivated not just by personal success but by a desire to contribute to the growing sports community in Saudi Arabia. She hopes one day to represent the Kingdom on the international stage.

“It makes me feel like I want to give something back and show the world that we have resources and we have support, and this country is growing. Women’s sports are growing a lot. We have a lot of enthusiasm and passion, and the community honestly is amazing,” she said.

Grassi is already contributing to her adopted country, not just in sports but in science. She is a PhD candidate at King Abdullah University for Science and Technology and is currently working in conjunction with King Saud University in Riyadh on innovative cancer diagnostic tools.

The project involves using liquid biopsies, screening blood plasma through a combination of a technology called Raman spectroscopy and decision-making algorithms.

“The idea behind this comes from the need for cancer diagnosis at early stages, minimizing invasiveness,” said Grassi. “We tested its efficiency on different types of cancer, and once the patent receives final approval, our goal is to see (it) implemented across the country. This way, patients will be able to go for a simple blood test and get screened for different types of cancer.”

Reflecting on her journey, Grassi said she was grateful for the opportunities that have arisen since her move to Saudi Arabia: “The Saudi Games was an amazing opportunity and a sign of the Kingdom’s growing sports sector. The fact that I started cycling here, and all the support to arrive at this point, I got it from Saudi.”

• Dawn Barnable is the founder and host of The Mettleset Podcast, a platform dedicated to women in sport from across the region.


Rain delays toss in Pakistan-Bangladesh Champions Trophy match

Rain delays toss in Pakistan-Bangladesh Champions Trophy match
Updated 27 February 2025
Follow

Rain delays toss in Pakistan-Bangladesh Champions Trophy match

Rain delays toss in Pakistan-Bangladesh Champions Trophy match
  • Dark clouds hovered over the stadium and the two umpires will inspect the conditions once the rain stops
  • Both teams are already out of semifinal race after losing their first two games in the 50-over tournament

RAWALPINDI: Overnight rain which continued on and off delayed the toss in the Champions Trophy dead-rubber Group A match between hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Stadium on Thursday.

Dark clouds hovered over the stadium and the two umpires, Adrian Holdstock of South Africa and Michael Gough of England, will inspect the conditions once the rain stops.

Both teams are already out of the semifinal race after losing their first two games in the 50-over tournament.

India and New Zealand progressed out of Group A.

In Group B, South Africa, Australia and Afghanistan compete for the other two semifinal spots. England are out of contention.


'Dream come true': Dubai Basketball’s Nate Mason enjoying life in the UAE

'Dream come true': Dubai Basketball’s Nate Mason enjoying life in the UAE
Updated 27 February 2025
Follow

'Dream come true': Dubai Basketball’s Nate Mason enjoying life in the UAE

'Dream come true': Dubai Basketball’s Nate Mason enjoying life in the UAE
  • American point guard talks about joining the club, playing in the Middle East, and life as a father

DUBAI: Fresh off another big win on the road in Serbia and with Dubai Basketball’s playoff debut fast approaching, one name has stood out since the beginning of their journey: Nate Mason.

The 29-year-old American point guard, Dubai Basketball’s first signing, has been a driving force behind the team’s success.

From the moment he stepped on the court, Mason has been more than just a playmaker — he has embodied the ambition, resilience, and determination that define Dubai’s rise in the basketball world.

“Dubai Basketball was probably the topic of discussion everywhere — in locker rooms, practices, and front offices,” he said.

“Everyone had their eye on Dubai,” said Mason, who has 188 points to his name in the ABA League this season. “I feel very fortunate to be here, especially as the first player the team signed, and I truly appreciate the opportunity. More importantly, this is a dream come true.”

Mason’s journey to Dubai was anything but ordinary. Having played in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, he has developed a dynamic, adaptable game that has made him a vital asset to the team. His impact on and off the court has been evident — whether leading in points and assists or inspiring teammates with his relentless drive.

“Playing in different leagues has helped me develop significantly. Each region plays a different style of basketball,” Mason said. “In Asia, scoring and teamwork are emphasized, while in the Middle East, you need a combination of both, along with versatility. Now, at this level, I feel that my experiences have come together perfectly.”

Beyond basketball, Mason is driven by a deeper purpose — his family. His son, born in 2024, has become his ultimate motivation. “He’s my biggest blessing yet,” Mason said. “He motivates me to go as hard as possible every time I step on the court. I want to set an example for him — that nothing in life comes easy.”

Dubai Basketball has taken the region by storm, with growing fan engagement and packed arenas. Mason has noticed the shift firsthand. “From the first game to now, I’ve noticed more fans getting involved, learning about the team, and even starting chants at the right moments. Dubai is known as a big football city, but I believe basketball can carve out a strong following.”

With a crucial game against Cibona approaching, Dubai Basketball is ready to display their talent again. Fans can expect a competitive encounter, with Mason likely to play a key role as the team aims to push for another important victory.

Tickets for the game on March 2 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, are available now.

 


NBA: Pistons top Celtics in duel of red-hot teams

NBA: Pistons top Celtics in duel of red-hot teams
Updated 27 February 2025
Follow

NBA: Pistons top Celtics in duel of red-hot teams

NBA: Pistons top Celtics in duel of red-hot teams
  • Malik Beasley scored 26 points off the bench to lead the Pistons, connecting on six of 11 from three-point range
  • In New York, Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 34 points to lead the Knicks to a 110-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers

LOS ANGELES: The suddenly surging Detroit Pistons toppled reigning champions Boston 117-97 Wednesday to push their NBA winning streak to eight games and halt the Celtics’ win streak at six.

Malik Beasley scored 26 points off the bench to lead the Pistons, connecting on six of 11 from three-point range.

Cade Cunningham scored 21 points and handed out 11 assists in his 26th double-double of the season and Detroit’s stout defense harried the Celtics into 19 turnovers that led to 24 Pistons points.

Down by as many as 15 in the first half, the Celtics had tied it 55-55 at the break, but Detroit clamped down in the third and took a 90-79 lead into the final period.

“It’s a great feeling,” Cunningham said of the eight-game winning streak — Detroit’s first streak that long since 2008.

With a record of 33-26 the Pistons have already surpassed their win total from the last two seasons combined.

During those difficult campaigns, the mantra was “restore this franchise,” Cunningham said.

“To see it coming to fruition now is a great thing,” he said. “I’m happy for the city, but I’m not satisfied at all.

“I think there’s still a lot more work to do. The city wants championships, and so we’re slowly building toward that,” he continued.

“This is a great start for us. It’s been a great year for us so far.”

Jayson Tatum scored 27 points to lead the Celtics, who were without All-Star forward Jaylen Brown because of a left thigh contusion.

In New York, Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 34 points to lead the Knicks to a 110-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

That included nine unanswered points with less than three minutes to play after the Sixers had erased a 16-point halftime deficit to take a four-point lead.

Brunson’s three-pointer with 1:28 remaining put New York up for good, his late heroics helping the Knicks overcome the absence of their leading scorer Karl-Anthony Towns.

Mikal Bridges added 28 points for New York and OG Anunoby scored 16.

Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points to lead the 76ers, who were again without star center Joel Embiid and slumped to a ninth straight defeat.

Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City bounced back from their loss to Minnesota on Monday with a 129-121 victory over the Nets in Brooklyn.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points and Chet Holmgren added 22 points and 17 rebounds for the Thunder, who avoided consecutive defeats for what would have been just the second time this season.

Once again the Thunder got off to a slow start, trailing by as many as 18 in the first half.

They chipped away in the third quarter and trailed by six going into the fourth, when they finally turned the tide with an 18-0 scoring run.

Day’Ron Sharpe scored a career-high 25 points with 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks for the Nets.

But Brooklyn, without suspended Nic Claxton and injured D’Angelo Russell and Cam Thomas, couldn’t keep pace late and were out-scored 39-25 in the final frame.

A three-point barrage carried the Miami Heat to a 131-109 home victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Two days after they connected on just seven of 40 three-point attempts in a loss to the Hawks in Atlanta, the Heat drained 23 of their 42 shots from beyond the arc.

Tyler Herro scored 24 points and handed out 10 assists, and Duncan Robinson added 24 points off the bench as seven Heat players scored in double figures.

Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden scored 27 of his 30 points in the second half as the Clippers halted a three-game skid with a 122-117 victory over the Bulls in Chicago.


Ankle injury and ‘personal views’ kept Starc out of Champions Trophy

Ankle injury and ‘personal views’ kept Starc out of Champions Trophy
Updated 27 February 2025
Follow

Ankle injury and ‘personal views’ kept Starc out of Champions Trophy

Ankle injury and ‘personal views’ kept Starc out of Champions Trophy
  • Australian cricketer appears on Willow Talk Podcast co-hosted by his wife
  • Cricket Australia attributed Starc’s omission from squad to unspecified reasons

SYDNEY: Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc Thursday said a sore ankle was the main issue that kept him out of the ongoing Champions Trophy, but “personal views” also factored into the decision.

The 35-year-old was a surprise omission from a depleted Australian squad, also missing injured strike partners Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, for the 50-over tournament in Pakistan and UAE.

Cricket Australia attributed Starc’s absence to unspecified “personal reasons.”

Speaking for the first time since his withdrawal, Starc said his primary concern was fitness after experiencing ankle pain during Australia’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka this month.

But he admitted it was not the only factor.

“There are a few different reasons, some personal views,” Starc said on the Willow Talk podcast, which was co-hosted by his wife, Australia captain Alyssa Healy.

He did not expand on what his “personal views” were around the tournament, which is being played under strict security measures.

“I had a bit of ankle pain through the (Sri Lanka) Test series,” Starc added.

“So I just need to get that one right. Obviously, we have the (World Test Championship) final coming up and a West Indies tour after that.

“There is some IPL cricket as well.

“But the main one at the top of my mind is the Test final. Get my body right, play some cricket in the next couple of months and then be ready to go for the Test final.”

Starc was the only member of Australia’s “Big Three” fast bowling unit to play all of Australia’s last seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka and he has a busy calendar ahead.

He is set to play for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League next month before the WTC final at Lord’s against South Africa in June, followed by a three-Test tour of the West Indies


England hammer out Women’s Nations League victory over Spain in World Cup final rematch

England hammer out Women’s Nations League victory over Spain in World Cup final rematch
Updated 27 February 2025
Follow

England hammer out Women’s Nations League victory over Spain in World Cup final rematch

England hammer out Women’s Nations League victory over Spain in World Cup final rematch
  • Park netted in the 33rd minute at Wembley to ensure England saw off the side ranked second in the world
  • Spain never relented in five minutes of stoppage time, but England held firm to banish the painful memories of the World Cup misery

LONDON: Jess Park fired England to a 1-0 win against Spain on Wednesday in a Women’s Nations League clash that provided a measure of revenge for their World Cup final defeat.

Park netted in the 33rd minute at Wembley to ensure England saw off the side ranked second in the world.

It was the first time England had faced Spain since the Lionesses lost the 2023 World Cup final.

That showpiece success for Spain was eventually overshadowed by the controversy caused by the Luis Rubiales case.

Former Spanish football federation boss Rubiales was recently found guilty of sexual assault after kissing Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the World Cup medal ceremony.

Spain have tried to moved on from the scandal, with their Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati saying she hoped speaking out about what happened can lead to change in football and wider society.

With the focus back on the pitch, England struggled in the early stages of their latest Spain showdown.

They were fortunate not to fall behind when Lucia Garcia’s corner hit the crossbar.

Lauren James finally tested Spain keeper Cata Coll with a curling effort and then a fierce drive at the near post.

England were growing into the game and Park struck after some fine work by Alessia Russo, who carved through the Spanish defense for a shot that was blocked by Spain captain Irene Paredes.

The rebound fell for Manchester City midfielder Park, who prodded home from close range.

Spain looked to Salma Paralluelo for a near-instant reply, but the Barcelona winger’s shot was wide before England keeper Hannah Hampton denied Bonmati.

Hampton saved again to frustrate Bonmati just before half-time.

The game was briefly paused in the 52nd minute when the stadium lights went dark.

But light was restored and Paralluelo looked in prime position to equalize after she was released by Athenea del Castillo, but she was closed down at the last moment by Millie Bright.

Montse Tome’s team piled on the pressure, with Leila Ouahabi repelled by Hampton in a frantic finale.

England nearly had a late second after Coll spilled the ball from a sharp James effort before the keeper smothered it on the line.

Spain never relented in five minutes of stoppage time, but England held firm to banish the painful memories of the World Cup misery.