The third edition of Al Adaid Desert Challenge on Friday, March 2 promises to be the biggest and most exciting in the history of the event, with a more challenging route and the introduction of a running event.
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 38.5km - a route that boosts the reputation of the UCI Class 3 event as the toughest off-road mountain bike race in the region.
The event is being 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).
The start line will be at Mawater Sand Dune area near Sealine Beach Resort, while the finish line is at the Doha Bus Desert Adventures Camp. The participants at the running event will use the first and last third of the cycling route, and they will need to cross four sand dunes and complete a total distance of 26.7km. Details of the events were given by Managing Director of Al Adaid Desert Challenge, Dr Jamal al-Khanji in a press conference yesterday. “In a very short period, Al Adaid Desert Challenge became one of the top one-day cycling events in the region – the turnout has reached record levels this year. We are keen on organising another successful edition and we are putting the finishing touches to welcome all the participants and fans,” al-Khanji said
“This year, we added a running race for the first time. We invite everyone to join us on March 2 to enjoy the event and various related activities” he added.
After winning last year’s edition, Dutch cycling legend Erik Dekker was announced as an official ambassador of the event. The former Olympic silver medallist is promoting the race on international level and through various social media channels. He will also take part in community cycling events and provide support and training tips to local cyclists.
Dekker will not be the only international rider taking part in this year’s UCI Elite Category. The 47-year-old Dutch legend will once again face competition from last year’s runner up, New Zealand’s Roman Van Uden and third-place finisher in the Elite category, Frederic Gombert of France. 
All three riders will take part in a community cycling event at Lusail International Circuit on Wednesday. Iran’s Faraz Shokri, the best positioned rider in UCI Asia MB Cross-Country Elite Ranking, is also among the notable names taking part in this year’s edition. In the women’s Elite Category, 2017 Champion Pia Sundstedt of Finland will attempt to defend her title.
During the 2017 edition, around 40 Qatari riders competed in the race and achieved impressive results, including a 6th place finish for Abdullah Afif in the UCI Elite Category.
This year, the number of Qatari riders is set to reach more than 60 participants and they will battle for a new title, Qatar’s MB Cross Country Champion.
Speaking on the occasion, President of Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation Dr Mohammed Jaham al-Kuwari said: “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.”
He said: “We are building on the legacy of the World Championships, the number of Qatari cyclists is increasing, more young kids are taking on the sport, the future looks bright. This year we have more than 60 Qatari riders taking part in the event as we decided that it will also act the Qatar National Mountain Bike Cross-Country Championship. We expect a very competitive atmosphere”.
Spectators will be able to cheer the participants at the start line before moving to the finish line on a special route that doesn’t include the sand dunes. A non-competitive kids race at the finish area and several family-oriented activities is expected to attract huge crowds.
The remote desert is not only a challenge for competitors, but also for the organisers. Growth of the event, addition of running to the event and logistical challenges have contributed organisers to look at other route options. Doha Bus Desert Adventures camp will provide the perfect location for the final scene of this iconic one-day off-road cycling event and the promising new running race.
Chief Marketing & Promotion Officer at QTA Rashed al-Qurese said: “QTA is proud to be once again supporting the Al Adaid Desert Challenge, a home-grown event which has steadily developed over the years.”
With the introduction of a running event and a total prize money of around QR150,000, the 2018 Al Adaid Desert Challenge is expected to see record number of participants from Qatar and abroad.  Already more than 300 male and female participants, from more than 45 different nationalities, have registered for this year’s challenge and the registration is still open until February 28. President of Qatar Cyclists Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari said: “Cycling has seen enormous growth in the past few years. The number of Qatar Cyclists members reached levels that we have never imagined when we launched the initiative few years ago, and Al Adaid Desert Challenge is one of the big events that is eagerly awaited by every cycling enthusiast in the country. We wish success to all participants.”
Qatar Tourism Authority is the platinum sponsor of this year’s edition, with the ever-increasing list of sponsors also including, Ooredoo and Doha Insurance Group as Gold Sponsors.
Director PR and Corporate Communications at Ooredoo Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, commented: “We are glad to be the Gold Sponsor of this special event and to continue our partnership with Qatar Cyclists Centre by organising another memorable edition of Al Adaid Desert Challenge.”




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