RACES & GRADES

• QCF continues to adapt the age group categories designed to provide a more inclusive and competitive experience to all participants while retaining the ability-based grading approach for the Men Elite/Open category

• Your age on JUNE 30, 2025, will determine which Age Group you will belong. (2024/2025 Season Age)

• As part of their development, Cubs, Cadets, and Junior Riders can join a higher age group.

• Riders 40 years old and above may race in either Elite/Open or their Age Group category.

MEN ELITE/OPEN CATEGORY GRADING GUIDE:

• • Any national team riders and elite athletes from any visiting country, whether active or inactive, MUST ASSIGN THEMSELVES to the Men Elite category. Failure to comply will result in immediate disqualification.

  • Grade A riders from the previous season (whether they won a podium or not) should register in the Elite/Open category.

  • Grade B or Amateur riders who had won any podium position from any of the races from the previous seasons (2023/2024) should register themselves to the Elite/Open category.

  • Don't be a SANDBAGGER! Any rider who averaged 39kph or higher during the previous races should enter the Elite/Open Category. 

  • The organizer reserves the right to place any competitor in a deemed appropriate race grade based on all known results and other performance data.

RACE #1 (Short Loop 1.68 km, 12 Laps race) Start @ 05:30 PM

• Single Start: Cadets U17 (15-16) + Cubs U15 (13-14)

RACE #2 (4.75km Loop, 11 Laps Race) Start @ 06:30 PM or earlier

• Single Start: Men Open/Elite (Grade A Riders)

RACE #3 (4.75km Loop, 7 Laps race) Start @ 07:30 PM or earlier

• First Start: Men Amateur U40 + Men Junior (17-18)

• Second Start: Men Masters (40-49) + Men Veterans (50+)

• Third Start: Women U40 (19-39) + Women 40+ (40 & Up)

** RACE ASSIGNMENT and START TIMES are subject to change depending on the number of participants in each category.

RULES & ELIGIBILITY

ELIGIBILITY

• The races are open to anyone. It is not necessary to have a Qatar ID or be a resident of Qatar. However, Visiting Athletes from another country should notify us, provide proper identification, and subject themselves to screening. 

EQUIPMENT

• This race is for Road Bikes only. TT, triathlon bikes, hybrids, and MTBs are not allowed, and clip-on aero bars must be removed. 

• Clipless pedals and cycling shoes are mandatory for safety purposes.

QCTF RACE LICENSE

While having a race license is not mandatory for this event, holders of a valid QCTF Race License will enjoy the benefits of the following:

• Waiving of the Day License Fee: Non-QCTF race license holder will be charged with the Day License Fee upon registration online OR on the race day (pay by card.)

• Eligibility for Series Points: Only QCTF Race License holders are eligible to earn points toward the Criterium League Rankings for this season.

• Previous Season License Validity: For this race only, we are accepting the QCTF Race License/Membership from the 2023/2024 season, allowing you to bypass the Day License fee, and to earn the series points.

If you wish to obtain a QCTF Race License, please apply before registering for this race.

• How to Apply: Click [HERE] to apply for your QCTF Race License.

• Need Assitance?: For further information or to follow up on your application and race license number, please contact John via WhatsApp or get in touch with QCTF directly. 

IMPORTANT RULES

1. FOLLOW THE COURSE: Marshals and signs are there to help, but it's your responsibility to follow the course. Typically, races follow the road rules. That means staying in the right lane and taking roundabouts anti-clockwise unless indicated by signage or race briefing.

2. UNOFFICIAL VEHICLES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO JOIN THE RACE: Only Authorized and official support vehicles are allowed to be on the race course and follow the race. Spectators and team support cars are not allowed on the course and must not follow the race.

3. YOUR BIKE MUST BE SAFE: You are not allowed to use a bike equipped with aero bars or that has unplugged bar ends. The official will also look at brakes, headset, and tire wear when there is a bike check.

4. RIDE SAFELY RESPECTING OTHERS: Riding in an aero position is illegal and will result in DSQ. Unnecessary braking, riding without care, or forceful physical contact are all dangerous. Riders deemed as the direct, indirect, or even just potential cause of an accident may be pulled from the race. You must practice before joining a race if you lack experience riding in a group.

5. WEAR A HELMET

6. DON'T JOIN ANOTHER RACE: In multi-lap races such as criteriums, you may not gain an advantage by joining riders who did not start at the same time as you started. In any race, if you are dropped, you may join riders from other grades but may not play an active part in their race, e.g., be the lead rider, close down breaks, etc.

7. DON'T GAIN ADVANTAGE FROM A VEHICLE: Drafting a passing truck, police, or support vehicle is cheating. Should you stop for a mechanical problem, stop on the right side of the road and wait for assistance from official support vehicles. You can get mechanical assistance from them. Still, they are not allowed to give draft assistance if you have been dropped, and you are not permitted draft, to ride in the vehicle or hold any part of the vehicle.

8. LITTERING: Can you get a DSQ for throwing a gel wrapper? Yes. Police support and use of many venues depend on leaving the course clean. Littering is taken very seriously.

9. DON'T RIDE WITH HEADPHONES: You need your full attention on the race and awareness of what is happening around you. You must not use a phone, listen to music, use headphones, or be distracted by any other device while riding.

10. LISTEN TO THE RACE BRIEFING: Race briefings emphasize the essential safety points on the course. Nine times out of ten, they repeat stuff you already read in the race information, but sometimes there are last-minute changes that are vital to know about. If they are about safety or course changes, you could easily find yourself with a DQ. If English isn't your first language, study the race information, read the rule book, listen to the briefing extra carefully, and ask if you need help understanding. Not knowing is no excuse.

FINISHING THE RACE

• The race finishes on completion of the lap required by the FASTEST COMPETITOR (race leader) in each race. 

  • For example, In Race #1 where 12 Laps are required, when the race leader has done the 10th lap, the riders are advised of two laps remaining. After completing one more lap, the last lap bell is rung and the winner is the first person to cross the line. 

  • When more than one start takes place on the circuit at the same time (for example, first-start: Cadets, second-start: Women), all races finish when the first rider (leader) completes the required Laps. In some circumstances, you may be passed (overlapped) by the race leader as they complete their final lap but before you have been 'given the bell'. In this case, your race ends when you cross the finish line. 

  • The Golden Rule is when the Race Leader finishes, everyone stops racing when they pass the finish line. 

COMPLAINTS & PROTESTS

• Complaints should be submitted within 15 minutes of the end of the race to the race jury using a form that will be available at the finish line. 

• It will assist with your complaints if:

  • You can provide solid evidence.

  • You can identify the rider BY NUMBER.

  • You can be as precise as possible about the details.

  • You have your complaint corroborated by a witness.

• Where possible, complaints will be assessed by a UCI-qualified official and one other race official. Team Managers may also be involved if deemed appropriate. 

APPEALS

• Protested riders or officials have the right to appeal any complaint made against you before a final decision is made.

• The Jury's decision is final, and you should respect their decision.

ENTRY FEES

FOR QCTF MEMBERS & LICENSE HOLDERS

• 50 QAR - Entry Fee (QCTF Members) Pay on Race Day by Card Payment

FOR NON-QCTF MEMBERS & NON-LICENSE HOLDERS

• 70 QAR - Entry Fee (Non-QCTF Members) Pay on Race Day by Card Payment.

FOR CADETS & CUBS NON-NATIONAL TEAM

• 50 QAR - Young Riders Flat Rate - Pay on Race Day by Card Payment

NOTE:

• Please bring your Debit or Credit Card as we will only accept CARD PAYMENT.

• ONLY Current National Cycling Team Riders will get free registration. 

• Entries are accepted through Online Registration only.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

• CAUTION: This is a "BUNCH" race, not a group ride, and you should have confidence riding in a group before taking part in this race.

• To enter this race, you must register online by clicking the button below. There is no entry accepted on race day, and you cannot use another rider's entry.

• Online Registration closes at 01:00 PM on DECEMBER 8 (Sunday Afternoon). This is to provide the Official Start List on time. Beyond this time, a late entry fee (+50 QAR) will be charged for those who would like to pre-register after the deadline.