The Ooredoo Ride of Champions happening this March in Education City and organised by Qatar Cyclists, is set to be the most inclusive in the event’s history.
The first ‘Ride of Champions’ was held during the UCI Road World Championship in October 2016 and has grown with each following edition. At least 1,100 cyclists participated in 2017 and 1,500 in 2019. For this year, the organisers are aiming for at least 2,000 participants. Over 1,000 spots are already allocated.
The event welcomes cyclists of all ages and levels of experience by creating a safe, well-structured and friendly environment for all participants.
In 2019, the event moved beyond just youth and adult, and included young members of the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community, in coordination with Best Buddies Qatar.
According to Qatar Cyclists President Dr Abulazziz Al Kuwari, this year, they strive to be even more inclusive.
We are working with our venue and community partner, Qatar Foundation Community Development team and Accessible Qatar to add Wheelchair and Handcycle categories to the event, as well as ability-friendly wave, open to all ages.
Hamad Al Jaaidi, Co-Managing Director of Ooredoo Ride of Champions said the event is the biggest mass-participation cycling event in Qatar. It is considered the pinnacle of community events organised by Qatar Cyclists as it offers rides that suit all ages and experience levels, with ability-friendly categories added in 2020.
Beyond cycling, there will be activities for kids and youth available, thanks to various event partners.
Accomplished Qatari athlete Ahmed Al Shahrani, ambassador of Sasol initiative Accessible Qatar, and who will compete in the wheelchair division expressed his excitement over this year’s Ride of Champions.
No matter your physical ability it has a category for you from a 5.8 km lap inside Education City where wheelchair users can use their everyday chair to longer routes up to 137 km designed for cyclists and hand-cyclists.
To reflect this wider community involvement, the event will also update their event logo to better represent the full participating community.
Spaces are still available for this year’s event. You can register at rocdoha.qa. The first 2,000 participants will receive limited edition bike jerseys (9+) and event bike bottles.
To learn more about Ooredoo Ride of Champions visit their website or follow @rocdoha on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
https://marhaba.qa/event/ooredoo-ride-of-champions/