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The event to consist of cycling & running at the scenic Sealine course
Tribune News Network
DOHA
The third Al Adaid Desert Challenge, classified by the UCI as 3 category event, has attracted a record number of participants not only from Qatar but also from outside.
Scheduled for March 2, the one-day event, which earlier had only cycling over 35 kms, has added running on a course of 26.7 kms to make it more appealing.
The event is organised by Qatar Cyclists under the patronage of Qatar's Ministry of Culture and Sport and in cooperation with Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation (QCTF) and International Cycling Federation (UCI).
Participants of this year's cycling race will need to overcome seven gruelling sand dunes and several flat sandy patches with a total distance of 38.5 km - a route that boasts the reputation of the UCI Class 3 event as the toughest off-road mountain bike race in the region.
Last year, the event had drawn big international interest and the organisers are expecting about 400 participants in both the competitions. The 2017 Elite Men's champion Erik Dekker has been announced as the official ambassador and the Dutch veteran star is garnering a big international support through social media channels for the 2018 edition. The Elite Women's champion Pia Sundstedt of Finland will also try to defend her title.
Dr Jamal al Khanji, Managing Director of Al Adaid Desert Challenge, said in a press conference on Sunday,"We're very excited about this year's event on March 2 at the Sealine course. We've included running this year so that we can reach out to more participants.
"The reputation of our event is growing rapidly and we're very pleased to add that this year we're expecting a much bigger participation from Qatar and outside as well. The preparations are in full swing," he added.
Also present during the press conference were: Dr Abdulaziz al Kuwari, President of Qatar Cyclists, Qatar Cycling and Triathlon President Dr Mohammed Jeham al Kuwari, Doha Insurance Group Chief Executive Officer Jassim Ali al Moftah and Manar Khalifa al Muraikhi, Director, PR, Brand and Corporate Communications in Ooredoo.
Dr Abdulaziz al Kuwari said,"We wanted to add running to this event last year but it was not possible. But this time, when we prepared the track, we did in such a way that it can be used by the runners as well.
"The event will help the Qatari runners who are aiming to contest in the upcoming Samla Desert Extreme Trek. They can assess their preparations through our event. Besides that we are having the National MTB Championship for the first time during the Al Adaid Desert Challenge and there will be a Qatari winner," he added.
Talking about the cycling contest, he said,"We have got very encouraging response this time after a hugely successful event last year. Lots of international cyclists are coming to take part to collect important UCI ranking points. We're hoping to have about 300 cyclists and 100 runners, despite the political crisis in the region.
"Last year, we had participants from three countries in the region. They are not here this time. So I feel this number is very big and we're quite delighted about the growth," Dr Abdulaziz added.
During the 2017 edition, around 40 Qatari riders competed in the race and they achieved impressive results, including a sixth place finish for Abdullah Afif in the UCI Elite Category.
Dr. Mohammed Jeham al Kuwari, President of Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation commented"It is amazing to see the rapid progress of this event, mountain bikes are more popular than ever in Qatar, and the addition of Al Adaid Desert Challenge to UCI calendar last year was a proof that we are heading in the right direction."
