(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Anisha Bijukumar | The Peninsula Online
More than 1,100 riders from over 57 countries took part in the Ride of Champion 2017 held yesterday morning at Education City.
Apart from the three events (48km, 78km and 137.5km) for experienced cyclists, there was a 5.8km loop for beginners and families with children above nine years. Kids below eight years enjoyed themselves by cycling at the Qatar Foundation's Oxygen Park.
One of the largest mass participation sport events in Qatar, Ride of Champions saw participation from senior Qatari offcials, VIPs, sportstars and diplomats. Minister of State HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, Qatar's cycling stars Abdullah al-Hammadand Ali bin Towar al-Kuwair, Ambassadors for Netherland Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie, France Eric Chevallier, Australia Axel Wabenhorst and Canada Adrian Norfolk got on their bikes to participate.
Netherland envoy Dr Tahzib-Lie wrote on her twitter wall that she thoroughly enjoyed the ride as biking is part of Dutch DNA. This was the second Ride of Champions in Doha for her and she shared a pic of her with her family at the event. French Ambassador also took to the networking site to express his thrill at being part of the event. Australian Ambassador Wabenhorst tweeted that it was great to exercise in fresh air and perfect weather.
Dr Al Kawari was seen interacting with the families and other participants at the venue. He expressed his happiness at being part of the event as he writes, "Invited yesterday by Qatari youth to take part in the bike race @ Education City with its symbolic educational charge and Al-Shaqab Horse Racing Academy with its symbolic heritage charge.In company of their excellence ambassadors to Qatar we enjoyed a healthy and friendly event."
Another social media enthusiast and author Ammar Mohammed who participated in the event shared his moment of victory on twitter as he writes in Arabic that roughly translates as, "I was honored to participate today in the Champions Race and arrive in record time with 1100 cyclists, 82 kilometers by bike."
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