Iraqi women race in Mosul's first all-female cycling event - in pictures

The race featured 35 riders, aged between 15 to 30, and was partly aimed at highlighting the need for reconstruction in Iraq's third-largest city

Iraqi women and girl cyclists gather for a race near the war-damaged Great Mosque of Al Nuri, in the city of Mosul, northern Iraq, on April 12. Reuters

The all-female event featured 35 riders, aged between 15 to 30, from all over Nineveh province. EPA

Cyclists enjoy a light-hearted moment at the event organised by the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports and Italian non-government organisation UPP. EPA

Iraqi female cyclists and their coach pose for a selfie after taking part in the first all-female Mosul cycle race. All participants received medals. EPA

Cyclists prepare to start in the first all-female Mosul cycle race. The event was intended to help change attitudes in conservative Iraqi society about women and girls riding bicycles. EPA

Female cyclists walk towards the starting line, past a building destroyed in fighting with ISIS during its occupation of Mosul between 2014 and 2017. The race was also intended to draw attention to the need for more reconstruction efforts. EPA

Cyclists gather for the first all-female Mosul race near the Great Mosque of Al Nuri. The Mosul landmark was damaged during the occupation by ISIS. EPA

The war-damaged Great Mosque of Al Nuri, behind Iraqi female cyclists waiting to start their race. The old parts of the city were the scene of fierce fighting to drive out ISIS in 2017. EPA

Cyclists ride to join fellow competitors and take part in the first all-female Mosul cycle race. EPA

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