(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, president, Qatar Cyclists, has said he hopes the Ride of Champions event becomes an international fixture in Qatar as the organisers have been following UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) regulations since the launch of the event.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, he said the organisers hoped to break last year's record in terms of the number of participants. The Ride of Champions brought together 1,000 cyclists last time, held as part of the UCI Road World Championships. 'This time, we hope the number will exceed (that). We have already registered more than 700 aspirants, he noted.
Responding to a question on how many Qataris are participating in the event, he said, 'Till now, they are the third highest in terms of the number of aspirants registered with us. Filipinos stand first with 200, the British second with 95, and Qataris next with 70. We hope the numbers will increase.
The 2017 event includes three events starting at 6.30am (48km, 78km and 137.5km) for experienced adult cyclists. A further festival of cycling will start at 9am — for families, beginners and riders new to the sport — at Qatar Foundation.
Talking to Gulf Times, Dr al-Kuwari said the event taking place at QF on November 24 would have a family ride as well as a ride for kids around the Oxygen Park. 'It is not a race but a ride. However, if you finish within a certain time, you will be placed in a certain category. For example, if you finish within three and a half hours, you are gold, within four hours silver, and within five hours bronze, he explained.
The event is supported by Qatar Cyclists, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Cycling Federation, QF and Ooredoo.
Thanking QF and other sponsors, Dr al-Kuwari said: 'Since the signing of a memorandum of understanding with QF, we have been able to support this beautiful sport. We have weekly events like indoor classes as well as outdoor rides through the
Foundation.
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