Local cycling groups and sporting communities plan special meets as a mark of respect for “sporting legend”
Two days after triathlete champion Roy Nasr was killed after a car rammed into him during his morning training ride, friends and family took to the social media to pay their tribute.
A day after the tragedy, the cycling community in Dubai had gathered at the Qudra cycling track at 5.30am to pay their tribute to Roy.
All the riders wore a black badge as a mark of respect.
Another cycling group – Dubai Creek Striders – announced their tribute run for Roy on Twitter.
“We are launching the annual ‘Fluorescent Friday’ run on 13th Sept as a tribute to #Roy #Nasr. Initiative to raise Road Safety awareness.”
Many paid their respects on social media site Twitter.
“RIP Roy Nasr. Absolute gentleman, what a loss. God Bless the Nasr family,” wrote another.
Many marked their condolences on the website of TriDubai, which Roy had co-founded.
“Despite his enormous sporting accomplishments, Roy was not a man of bravado or swagger. He was a gentle, humble, kind and considerate person who carried himself with calm confidence and grace,” read a tribute.
Listing out his accomplishments, a friend wrote, “He represented Lebanon in the 2006 Asian Games, the 2010 Ironman 70.3 World Championships, and in the 2011 Sprint Distance World Age Group Championships in China (where he took 3rd place in his age group).
“He won his age group in several half Ironman races around the globe, and won more local races than anyone else in Dubai. His first triathlon was in 1994…”
“His plan for this season was to race Ironman South Africa in a bid to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona.”
Another wrote, “Roy was a remarkable athlete, a wonderful friend and a kind, passionate and good natured human being who will be missed so very much.”
“You have left a legacy… You are a true ambassador for the sport and have done what you set out to do and that was to get the community inspired to get out and ‘try’.”
Two more were injured in the crash, but have since been discharged after being administered medical assistance.
The police reported that the driver was intoxicated when the accident had occurred and has since been arrested.
The case is scheduled for hearing at the public prosecution, traffic section, today.
Forty-nine-year-old Roy Nasr, who hails from Lebanon, is survived by his wife and two children.
