Qatar confident heat no factor at next year's worlds

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Officials from Qatar and cycling's governing body are confident the desert nation will stage a memorable world championships in its first trip to the Middle East next year.

John Lelangue is handling operations for Doha 2016. He said this week he does not expect heat to play a factor in October. The average temperature in Qatar that time of year is about 95 degrees - similar to a hot day during the Tour de France.

Heat concerns in Qatar are a big reason why the 2022 World Cup will be played in November and December, and why stadiums under construction feature air conditioning.

Lelangue also said no thought was given to building artificial mountains to make the course more challenging, and the unpredictable desert winds would provide enough drama.