(MENAFN- The Peninsula) DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) is bringing road racing action to the streets of Doha as the official airline sponsor of UCI Road World Championships-Doha 2016, organised by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
The world-class cycling event is taking place against the striking backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and The Pearl – Qatar from October 9 to 16.
It will see 1,000 racers from 75 countries compete for the title, cheered on by about 30,000 fans and millions of spectators from all over the world.
The annual competition began in 1921 and Qatar will be the first country in the Middle East to host it.
QA will fly competitors from all corners of the globe and Qatar Airways Cargo will transport hundreds of high-performance road bikes to Doha.
QA has an extensive route network with flights to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents, through its state-of-the-art home at Hamad International Airport.
The Championships is the latest in a series of high-profile sporting events to be held in Qatar and supported by QA.
Doha";s annual sports calendar demonstrates the country";s growth as an international sports hub and the value of sport in strengthening ties between nations and encouraging residents to maintain healthy and active lifestyles.
QA is proud to support the country";s vision through the sponsorship of local and international sports events that raise the country";s profile as a global sports champion.
Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman, Organising Committee of the championships, said: 'We are delighted to introduce QA as our official airline partner.
'Thousands of fans, cyclists and sports officials will descend on Doha for the high-profile event making QA the perfect partner to bring the world to Doha.
'Our event will feature key landmarks across Qatar, including Qatar Foundation";s Education City, Lusail, and the centre stage of our event, The Pearl-Qatar. It is due to the commitment of our partners that the event places Doha in the limelight for world of cycling.”
Ehab Amin, Senior Vice-President, Commercial, GCC, Levant, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Africa and Indian Subcontinent, QA, said: 'We are proud to be the official airline partner bringing the championships to Qatar and to become the first Middle East country hosting the race.
'QA is committed to investing in the communities we serve through the sponsorship of sports, cultural and educational events.
'Qatar has a host of world-class sporting facilities, a rich history and warm hospitality and we look forward to welcoming thousands of racers, participants and fans from all over the world to this exciting event and an unforgettable experience.”
As a world-leading airline, QA sponsors high-profile sports events and teams around the globe, including the world";s best football club FC Barcelona; Saudi Professional League winners Al Ahli Saudi Football Club; International Premier Tennis League (IPTL); and Qatar Total Open, part of the Women";s Tennis Association Championships.
The Peninsula