Cycling ‘super highway’ to open on National Sports Day

The latest significant development for cycling in Qatar is Ashgal’screation of the Olympic Cycling Lane – a dedicated cyclists only roadbetween Doha and the Al Bayt World Cup 2022 stadium in Al Khor.

In recent years, road upgrades to the north of the capital have leftcyclists with little choice other than to complete all or part of theirride using the Orbital or Coastal roads. Now they will have their own‘highway’, isolated from traffic and providing a safe route to and fromAl Khor, with jumping off points along the way giving access to thecurrent cycling hot spot at Lusail Sports Complex and the back-roads ofWadi Lusail from Al Dayyeen and Tinbek.

The Olympic Cycling Lane is a step up from existing cyclinginfrastructure such as the popular cycle path between the Corniche andHIA. It is a fully lit, seven meter wide, two lane road, with carparking and toilet facilities at its start point near to Doha Golf Club.Most significantly, it will allow fitness and competitive cyclists toride longer distances safely, with the out-and-back to Al Khor beingalready 66km and the link to the north offering access to smaller,quieter roads around Al Thakira and Ras Laffan.

The inauguration of Ashgal’s Olympic Cycling Lane will take placeduring National Sports Day on Tuesday, 11th February with a shortceremonial ride at 8 am, followed by the chance to be one of the firstto set wheels on the new tarmac. His Excellency the Prime Minister,Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, and President of QatarOlympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will bein attendance.

Cyclists of all ages and abilities from across Qatar’s cyclingcommunities are encouraged to celebrate this important occasion byjoining Ashgal and Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation this NationalSports Day for the ceremony and ride. Please assemble from 7:15 am andbe ready to ride before 8 am to allow briefings to be given. To bestrepresent the diversity of cycling groups we now have in Qatar, wearingof team or club kit is encouraged.

Other cycling & QCF events this sports day

10am: Join Qatar Cyclists for a 20 km ride around Education City. Details and registration here