QCTF announces calendar for season 2021-2022
Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation (QCTF) has announced its calendar for the upcoming 2021-2022 season. As QCTF is responsible for two sporting disciplines, both experiencing a surge in growth of participation, with huge demand for events.
There will be nonstop actionpacked weekends plus night events through the week, organised by the QCTF and local clubs, from mid-September until end of March and onward into Ramadan.
The season will start with the very popular evening time trial series races. They will take place on the Olympic Cycling Track which has been a catalyst for cycling growth in Qatar. Additionally, there will be five road races in the season spread out across Qatar but mainly in the prime terrain around Dukhan. The races cater for different levels of riders, with the novice category serving to introduce new blood to road racing. The pinnacle of both disciplines will be the Qatar National Road and Time Trial championships at the beginning of February, both recognised by the International Cycling Union (UCI). New for this season, QCTF will provide a focus for women’s cycling and boost participation by initiating events specific to them. ‘Women on Wheels’ race nights will cater for developing cyclists seeking a challenge or competitive outlet for their cycling fitness.
Off road – mountain bike enthusiasts will compete in five different races across Qatar. Most being organised by United Filipino Mountain Bikers with the support of QCTF. The main event of the MTB season will be the UCI recognised Al Adaid Desert Challenge, organised by Qatar Cyclists.
‘Al Adaid’ has evolved from a pure cycling event into a sporting festival and is one of the most anticipated events in the calendar for cyclists, runners, and multisport enthusiasts. The triathlon has also seen immense growth, thanks to Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) support and the very popular Qatar National Triathlon Series organised by QCTF. Each season, the series consists of five triathlons organised in the most iconic locations of Qatar. This season is set to be one of the most exciting for triathletes, as QOC and QCTF are planning to organise The Ultimate Race – a triathlon for the toughest athletes out there – which will take place on October 30, 2021. One month later, QCTF will host a World Triathlon elite race for the first time; the Asia Cup Triathlon. Members of the public can watch the World’s best triathletes and compete over the same course in the public race. In February 2022 it is hoped to see the return of the Doha Triathlon. Qatar’s largest and most prestigious race was cancelled due to the pandemic last season.
Thani al-Zarraa, QCTF Secretary-General: “We are thrilled with the growth of the number of cyclists and triathletes in the country. With the number of events we offer, we are confident that there will be even more sport enthusiasts wanting to join our Federation. We would like to thank all the clubs and Qatar Olympic Committee supporting our plans and stepping in as organisers.”
Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation’s full calendar of events can now be found on their websites at www.qatarcycling. org and www.qatartriathlon.org where you can also join the federation to receive reduced race fees and other member benefits.