Al Adaid Desert Challenge 2023

The Al Adaid Desert Challenge is a big highlight and the most challenging cycling event on Qatar’s off-road cycling calendar. For the fourth year in a row, the race is also part of the International Cycling Union calendar. Marked as UCI C3 Cross Country point-to-point race, it will cover 42 km of astonishing desert track from Sealine to one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid.

This is the third year, since they added a desert running race to the event. 30 km is shorter but much longer in time and more difficult than a cycling event. It will be a proper endurance test for all running enthusiasts. A UNESCO-recognized natural reserve with its own ecosystem, this is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. Inaccessible by road, this tranquil expanse of water can only be reached by crossing the rolling dunes. The rider will have to cross over eight of them and runners five to reach the finish line.

Besides the grueling sand dunes, there are several sandy patches on the flat parts which make the race even more challenging. Don’t be fooled by the length of the race, every sand dune, each patch of sand takes out something from you. To be competitive, you have to be extremely fit, have a good bike with optimum setup, choose the best path, and sometimes also be lucky.