Belmahi received, on this occasion, the Order "UCI Merit" in recognition of the commendable services he has rendered to Moroccan cycling, in particular and to African, Arab and world cycling, in general, through his responsibilities in several bodies, says the FRMC.

Belmahi, who is a member of the UCI board, the executive committee of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee (CNOM) and the Arab Cycling Federation (ACF), received this high distinction which normally goes to those who have committed themselves in a remarkable way to cycling.

UCI President David Lappartient highlighted Belmahi's "qualities, seriousness, courage and dedication," stressing that the Moroccan official has devoted himself entirely to the promotion and development of cycling at ther national, continental, Arab and world levels.

Speaking on this occasion, Belmahi expressed his joy for this important distinction which testifies to the confidence that Morocco enjoys and its pioneering role in supporting this sport, especially in the African continent.

Belmahi further emphasized that the Kingdom of Morocco "is one of the few countries in the world whose fundamental law enshrines the right to sport as an inalienable right of citizens and raises it to the rank of lever of human development.