Qatar Airways hosts Tour de France cyclists

Qatar Airways, Official Airline of the Tour de France, proudly showcased its world class hospitality to the sporting elite on the final day of the world famous cycle race yesterday.

Many of the world’s leading cyclists were onboard a Qatar Airways special charter flight from Grenoble in south east France to Paris before they headed for the last stage of the prestigious race to the Champs Elysees in the centre of the French capital.

Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker hosted the guests on the flight, including Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx and Frenchman Bernard Hinault, who each won the Tour de France five times during illustrious careers.

After three weeks of gruelling racing covering almost 3,500km of different terrain across France, the 98th edition of the Tour de France , culminated with 34-year-old Cadel Evans, from Australia taking the overall winner’s yellow jersey and top prize on the Champs Elysees.

Qatar Airways’ sponsorship of the Tour de France is the latest sporting initiative by the award-winning carrier. Al Baker said: “On behalf of Qatar Airways, it is with delight to be able to support this great sporting event, attracting the world’s leading cyclists for arguably the best cycling event in the world.
“Sport is integral to Qatar Airways’ sponsorship strategy and the Tour de France is an excellent way of reinforcing our passion for one of the world’s most popular sports.”