DOHA, Feb 1, 2009 (AFP) – Having decided to bid for the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, Qatar is now hoping to host a stage of the Tour de France some time in the future.

Serious talks are underway between Tour de France officials and the Qatar Cycling Federation to bring the toughest cycling race to the streets of the oil and gas rich state, the Gulf Times newspaper reported on Sunday.

Transporting hundreds of cyclists with all their gear from Europe may seem a huge logistical problem but officials have a solution for that too: just arrange an Airbus A-380.

“We are honored with Qatar expressing their desire to host a stage here,”
Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme told the Gulf Times.

“Japan, Turkey and Scotland have also expressed their willingness as this is the biggest race in cycling. But there are plenty of logistics issues we have to consider and also the weather here in July,” added Prudhomme.

The Tour de France chief said that the fact that London successfully hosted a stage last year has gone well with the Tour de France organisers.

“To host the first stage in London was a big move and we were thrilled to see the response. Over three million people hit the streets and we got goosebumps seeing the enthusiasm.

“There are cyclists participating from all around globe and to offer an opportunity to be a part of the euphoria to different countries can do wonders to the sport,” said Prudhomme.

Qatar Cycling Federation President Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani, a member of the country’s royal family, was confident of the race coming to Qatar in the future.

“We are confident of successfully hosting a big event but we will have to get everything according to their guidelines and this could take some time. We will be taking the required steps in that regard,” said Sheikh Khalid.

Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx, who works closely with the Qatari federation and helped establish the Tour of Qatar, is also hopeful.

“We have already had such a good Tour and now with the women’s tour also coming, it’s another big boost. For the Tour de France, however, we will have to consider a lot of logistics.

“We will need the latest A380 aircraft, for example. The teams will have to fly in and out with ease. A lot of groundwork needs to be done and put into place.

“But yes, in terms of the roads and all, we have the perfect infrastructure,” Merckx told the Gulf Times.

He also was of the view that the strong ties between Qatar and France could play a lead role in reaching a decision soon.