Doha, Qatar – The organizing committee of Al Adaid Desert Challenge held a press conference at St. Regis Hotel on Monday to unveil the details of the 2019 edition which will take place on Friday 1st March.
In attendance were Dr. Jamal Rashid Al Khanji Al Adaid Desert Challenge Managing Director, Mr. Thani Al Zaraa, Deputy Secertary General of Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation, Mr. Ayed Hekmat, General Manager of Doha Takaful and M/s. Manar Khalifa AlMuraikhi, Director PR and Corporate Communications from Ooredoo.
The 2019 Al Adaid Desert Challenge will be the biggest ever in the history of the event in terms of number of participants and total prize money, with more than 500 cyclists and runners already registered to compete for a stake of the 50000 USD offered by the organizers.
Once again Khor Al Adaid region will provide a spectacular setting for the event offering the participants the spectacular desert and sea views of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonder.
Cyclists will follow a 38.5 k route and will need to cross seven sand dunes on their way to the finish line, while runners will cover a distance of 26.7 km crossing four sand dunes in the process.
The cycling race already established itself as one of the toughest off-road mountain bike races in the region. It’s a UCI Class-3 event and it also serves as the final stage of the Qatar National MTB Cross-Country Championship.
Two kids’ races at the finish line camp will offer youngsters a chance to get their first taste of mountain biking and provide an ideal family atmosphere. Kids aged 7-11 years old can take part in a short race around the finish line camp, while those aged 12-15 years old can compete in a 5 km race on a specially-designed route.
Mr. Thani Al Zaraa, Deputy Secertary General of Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation, said: “Al Adaid Desert Challenge is an amazing event that all cycling enthusiasts in Qatar and the region are always keen on being part of it. The event is counting as The Qatar National Cross Country Championships, with biggest number of Qatari nationals on start line and for first time also Qatari women”.
Al Adaid Desert Challenge is organized by Qatar Cyclists Center in association with Qatar National Tourism Authority (QNTC) and is supported by the Minitry of Culture and Sport and Qatar Cycling Federation.
The event is sponsored by Doha Insurance Group, Ooredoo Qatar, Doha Takaful, Rayyan Water, Chevrolet Qatar, Doha Bus, Dama Sports Wear, Garmin Qatar, Rasen Sports, Hotel Royal Riviera Doha, Hotel St Regis Doha, Qatar Red Crescent and Mawater Qatar.