Dr. Jamal Rashid Al Khanji, Managing Director of Al Adaid Desert Challenge, poses for a photograph with the elite athletes who will be in action during today’s event.
Doha: The fourth edition of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge takes place today in Khor Al Adaid Area with more than 500 participants competing for a share of a total prize money which exceeds QR180,000.
The Event is 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 kids.
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.
It has established itself as one of the top off-road cycling races in the region, and by offering the highest prizes around the world in its category, the number of international cyclists has significantly increased this year, with more than 50 cyclists making the trip to Qatar from countries like Australia, Italy, Croatia, Serbia, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Iran and South Africa.
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 Rashid Al Khanji, Managing Director of Al Adaid Desert Challenge commented: “We are looking forward to organize another successful edition that will live up to the expectations of all the participants. I would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters of this event which put the spotlight on one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world. I wish everyone good luck in the races.”
A fierce battle is expected in the national category, with the cycling race being part of the national Mountain bikes Cross-Country Championship. Qatari Cyclists Marwan Al Jalham, who is leading the Mountain bike league table this season said: “This is my second participation in Al Adaid Desert Challenge. Last year I finished third, and I hope to record a better timing this year. it’s a unique event, and a tough challenge, because cycling in sands requires al lot of effort and patience, but it is still a one-of-a-kind experience and I advise everyone to try it.”
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 6:30 am time and will be followed by the cycling race an hour later.
The finish line is at Doha Bus Desert Adventure Camp which is also located near Sealine.
Two races for kids will also be held, one for those aged 7-11 years old two which includes two laps around the camp, while the other is open for kids aged between 11 and 15 years old, and will be held over a specially designed 5-km route.
After Friday prayers, it will be time for the medal ceremony where the top finishers will receive their medals, prizes and a special-designed cycling jersey from Dama Sports Wear. Furthermore, participants and spectators will have a chance to win other prizes from the official sponsors of the event.
The official sponsors for this year’s edition are Doha Insurance Company, Ooredoo, Doha Takaful, Chevrolet Qatar, Rasen Sport, Al Rayyan Water, Doha Bus, Garmin Lingawi, Royal Riviera Doha Hotel, Mawater Qatar, Qatar Red Crescent, Dama Sports Wear and St Regis Hotel.
