Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Cyclists Center is set for the fourth edition of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge, which will kick off on Friday, March 1 (today) in Khor Al Adaid Area with more than 500 participants competing for a share of a total prize money worth over QR180,000.
The event is being organised in association with the Qatar National Tourism Council and with support from the Qatar Cycling Federation and the Ministry of Culture and Sports. It includes a cycling race and a running race, in addition to two special races for children.
The cycling race – open for mountain bikes and fat bikes – will see the biggest participation, with 300 cyclists (men and women) battling for the top places. They will need to cross seven sand dunes over a 38.5-km route to reach the finish line. The cycling race at Al Adaid Desert Challenge is recognised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), world governing body of cycling, as an XCP-Class 3 Race.
Meanwhile, more than 200 male and female participants will take part in the running race. They will have to follow a 26.7-km route to reach the finish line, crossing four sand dunes in the process.
Dr Jamal Rashed al Khanji, managing director of Al Adaid Desert Challenge, said: "We are really happy with this incredible turnout from Qatar and all over the world. We are also proud with the Qatari participation, as we will see more than 90 cyclists and runners, men and women taking part in this year’s edition.”
For the first time, three Qatari female cyclists will take part in the race, including Tala Abujbara, who is a member of the Qatar national rowing team.
The challenge will start at Mawater Sand Dunes near Sealine, with the running race kicking off at 6:30am Doha time, followed by the cycling race an hour later.
The finish line is at Doha Bus Desert Adventure Camp which is also located near Sealine.
Doha
Qatar Cyclists Center is set for the fourth edition of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge, which will kick off on Friday, March 1 (today) in Khor Al Adaid Area with more than 500 participants competing for a share of a total prize money worth over QR180,000.
The event is being organised in association with the Qatar National Tourism Council and with support from the Qatar Cycling Federation and the Ministry of Culture and Sports. It includes a cycling race and a running race, in addition to two special races for children.
The cycling race – open for mountain bikes and fat bikes – will see the biggest participation, with 300 cyclists (men and women) battling for the top places. They will need to cross seven sand dunes over a 38.5-km route to reach the finish line. The cycling race at Al Adaid Desert Challenge is recognised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), world governing body of cycling, as an XCP-Class 3 Race.
Meanwhile, more than 200 male and female participants will take part in the running race. They will have to follow a 26.7-km route to reach the finish line, crossing four sand dunes in the process.
Dr Jamal Rashed al Khanji, managing director of Al Adaid Desert Challenge, said: "We are really happy with this incredible turnout from Qatar and all over the world. We are also proud with the Qatari participation, as we will see more than 90 cyclists and runners, men and women taking part in this year’s edition.”
For the first time, three Qatari female cyclists will take part in the race, including Tala Abujbara, who is a member of the Qatar national rowing team.
The challenge will start at Mawater Sand Dunes near Sealine, with the running race kicking off at 6:30am Doha time, followed by the cycling race an hour later.
The finish line is at Doha Bus Desert Adventure Camp which is also located near Sealine.