Caitlin Dillon
The 2019 edition of the Ooredoo Ride of Champions took place over the weekend, with over 1500 cycling enthusiasts taking part.
The third edition of the event, which is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Qatar Cycling Federation and Qatar Cyclists, took place at Qatar Foundation’s Ceremonial Court.
The community event, which promotes sports and healthy lifestyles, hosted multiple rides for various experience levels. Veterans in the sport could embark on a 137.5km ride, starting at 6:30am. There was also a 78km as well as a 48km ride.
Children between the ages of three and eight could take part in a 1km ride in order to be in with a chance of winning one of 70 bicycles on offer.
Event Director Ryan Bowd was delighted with this year’s turnout, “I’m just ecstatic... 1500 people, up from 1100 [last year], 72 nationalities up from 57, it’s a true community event for Qatar.
“This year we’ve managed to add people with disabilities, we’re going to hopefully be able to support more of that next year, bring in more para-athletes. We really want this to be the entire community of Qatar coming together celebrating health and fitness and sharing a love and passion for sports.”
In terms of the future of the event, Bowd added, “Without the support of Ooredoo, without Qatar Stock Exchange, Al Fardan, Dolphin Energy, and the funding provided by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and Qatar Cycling, this event wouldn’t happen, but thanks to the commercial partners, the long-term sustainability of this event is looking really good.”