(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
More than 1,100 riders will take part in the main event of this year's Ride of Champions, organisers announced yesterday.
Qatar Cyclists and presenting partner Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) also said that the main family-friendly cycling event taking place today at Qatar Foundation's (QF's) Education City has sold out online.
The main event of the day is set to be even bigger than the inaugural edition of the Ride of Champions event, which was held as part of the UCI Road Cycling World Championships last year.
The morning event will be held at Education City today.
Ride of Champions is one of the largest mass participation sports events in Qatar, with more than 57 nationalities represented.
The 2017 event includes three events starting at 6.30am (48km, 78km and 137.5km) for experienced adult cyclists departing from Qatar Foundation and heading towards Al Shahaniya and back.
A further festival of cycling starts at 9am for families, beginners and riders new to the sport at Qatar Foundation. All events are based out of Qatar Foundation's spectacular ceremonial court, with a live music, farmer's market, food stands, bike shops with mechanics, sponsors and more.
This festival of cycling is aimed at the riders that wants to participate as a family, young riders or riders new to the sport of cycling. They will cycle a 5.8km loop, in the beautiful environment around Qatar Foundation and Al Shaqab Arabian horse breeding area. Riders can complete as many loops as they would like from 9am to 11:00am.
Additionally, there will be kids' events for the under 8-year-old boys and girls who would like to ride in Qatar Foundation's Oxygen Park. Kids will be able to ride and compete against each other in short races around Oxygen Park, under the supervision of their parents or guardians.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, President, Qatar Cyclists, commented: 'It's wonderful that we've managed to capture the imagination of so many new cyclists. I look forward to welcoming them to the event on Friday. Cycling is a relatively young sport in Qatar, and it makes us particularly proud to see that more than 10 percent of the event's entrants are Qatari.
Rashed Al Qurese, Chief Marketing and Promotions Officer, QTA, said: 'More than being a sports event, Ride of Champions is an invitation for residents and visitors to go out, explore, and enjoy different aspects of Qatar's culture and nature in the pleasant winter weather. Through QTA's two-year partnership with Ride of Champions, we look forward to supporting its growth to become a landmark, home-grown mass participation sports event.
Mohammed Fakhroo, Community Outreach Director, Qatar Foundation, commented: 'We look forward to welcoming all Ride of Champions participants to Education City this weekend. This event is in line with our commitment to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle throughout the wider community. The diversity of participants registered for the event also reflects the multicultural environment that makes up our community at Education City every day.
In the interest of public safety, certain roads within Education City will be closed to motor vehicles today between 8am and 11am. Latest road closure updates will be available on QF and ROC's social media channels.
Ride of Champions is presented by QTA and the event partners include Qatar Cyclists, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Cycling Federation, QF, Ooredoo, Rayyan Water, and GMC. Supporting entities include Garmin, Rasen Sports, Carbon Wheels, Al Shaqab and Adidas Eyewear.
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