Doha: The hugely popular Night Time Trial series will kick off the action-packed new cycling and triathlon season, the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation (QCTF) announced yesterday.
According to the official calendar for the busy season, there will be nonstop action-packed weekends plus night events through the week, organised by the QCTF and local clubs from mid-September until end of March and onward into Ramadan.
The season will start on October 5 with the Opening round of the Night Time Trial series which will take place on the Olympic Cycling Track.
Additionally, there will be five road races in the season spread out across Qatar but mainly in the prime terrain around Dukhan.
The races cater for different levels of riders, with the novice category serving to introduce new blood to road racing. The pinnacle of both disciplines will be the Qatar National Road and Time Trial championships at the beginning of February, both recognised by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
In a new development, QCTF will also focus on women’s cycling and will look to boost participation by initiating events specific to them.
As part of this initiative, ‘Women on Wheels’ race nights will cater for developing cyclists seeking a challenge or competitive outlet for their cycling fitness.
Off road – mountain bike enthusiasts will compete in five different races across Qatar, most being organised by United Filipino Mountain Bikers with the support of QCTF.
The main event of the MTB season will be the UCI recognised Al Adaid Desert Challenge, organized by Qatar Cyclists.
‘Al Adaid’ has evolved from a pure cycling event into a sporting festival and is one of the most anticipated events in the calendar for cyclists, runners, and multisport enthusiasts.
The triathlon has also seen immense growth, thanks to Qatar Olympic Committee's (QOC) support and the very popular Qatar National Triathlon Series organised by QCTF.
Each season, the Series consists of five triathlons which will be held in iconic locations in Qatar.
This season is set to be one of the most exciting for triathletes, as QOC and QCTF are planning to organise The Ultimate Race – a triathlon for the toughest athletes out there – which will take place on October 30, 2021.
One month later, QCTF will host a World Triathlon elite race for the first time; the Asia Cup Triathlon.
Members of the public will be able watch the World’s best triathletes and compete over the same course in the public race.
In February 2022 it is expected to see the return of the Doha Triathlon, Qatar’s largest and most prestigious race which was cancelled due to the pandemic last season.
Commenting on the busy season ahead, Thani Al Zarraa, QCTF Secretary-General said: “We are thrilled with the growth of the number of cyclists and triathletes in the country. With the number of events we offer, we are confident that there will be even more sport enthusiasts wanting to join our Federation. We would like to thank all the clubs and Qatar Olympic Committee supporting our plans and stepping in as organisers.”
Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation’s full calendar of events can now be found on their websites at www.qatarcycling.org and www.qatartriathlon.org where enthuciacs can join the federation to get reduced race fees and other member benefits.