EVENT TIMING

04:00 PM - Sign On Registration Open

04:30 PM - Race 1 (Single Start): Cubs B (10-12) M/F

05:02 PM - Maghrib Prayer

05:15 PM - Awarding: Cubs B (10-12) M/F

05:30 PM - Race 2 (Mass Start): Cadets (15-16) M/F + Cubs A (13-14) M/F

06:30 PM - Awarding - Cadets, Cubs 

06:45 PM - Race 3 (Wave Start) - All other Men (U40, Masters, Veterans); followed by All Women (Elite, U40, Masters)

07:45 PM - Race 4 (Single Start) - Elite Men + Juniors

09:00 PM - Awards Ceremony

** These timings and Race Assignments are subject to change depending on the number of participants in each category.

** Please avoid warming up on the race course when a race is in progress 

RACES & GRADES

The QCF Grading and Category System ensures fair and inclusive racing, providing riders of all levels with a pathway for growth and competition. 

GENERAL GUIDELINE

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

• Your age on JUNE 30, 2026 (end of season), will determine which Age Group you will belong to. (2025/2026 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 the Elite/Open category or their Age Group category (provided they have not met the Mandatory Upgrade rule mentioned below.

ELITE/OPEN CATEGORY (Male/Female) GRADING GUIDE - NOW IMPLEMENTED ON THIS RACE (Crit Race no. 2)

• All national team riders and elite athletes (residents or visiting), regardless of their current status, must race in the Elite/Open category. Non-compliance will result in disqualification.

• Grade A riders from the previous season (2024/2025) - whether they won a podium or not - should register in the Elite/Open category.

• Mandatory Upgrade from Amateur to Elite/Open category from the 2024/2025 Season [References: Season 2024/2025 Leader Board; Road Races Results 2024/2025 ]

  • Male Under 40 (19-39) riders should enter themselves in the Elite/Open Category if they meet these criteria:

    • Top 3 riders (by points) from the 2024/2025 Night Criterium Series.

    • Won any 1st place position from any 2024/2025 season races.

    • Achieved three or more podium finishes in the 2024/2025 races.

  • Female Under 40 (19-39) riders should enter themselves in the Elite/Open Category if they meet these criteria:

    • Top 3 riders (by points) from the 2024/2025 Night Criterium Series.

    • Won any 1st place position from any 2024/2025 season races.

    • Achieved three or more podium finishes in the 2024/2025 races.

  • Male Masters (40-49) riders AGED 40-44, should enter themselves in the Elite/Open Category if they meet these criteria:

    • Top 1 ider (by points) from the 2024/2025 Night Criterium Series.

    • Won 2 or more 1st places from any 2024/2025 season races.

    • Achieved four or more podium finishes in the 2024/2025 races.

GRADES

• Grade A: Elite/Open: (Male)

  • Men Elite/Open (19+)

  • Men Juniors (17-18)

• Grade B: Age Groups + Women Elite

  • Women Elite

  • Men & Women Seniors (19-39)

  • Men & Women Masters (40-49)

  • Men & Women Veterans (50+)

• Grade C: Youth: (Male/Female)

  • Men & Women Cubs A (13-14)

  • Men & Women Cadets (15-16)

• Grade D: Development: 

  • Cubs B (10-12) Male/Female

  • Women Beginner

RACES & SPECIFIC DRAFTING RULES

• Race #1 (Grade D) - 6 Laps x 1.6 km Loop; Start at 04:30 PM

  • Wave Start: Women Beginner -> Cubs B (10-12)

  • Drafting Rules: Women Beginners and Cubs B cannot draft each other.

• Race #2 (Grade C) - 5 Laps x 4.75 km Loop; Start at 05:30 PM

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

  • Drafting Rule: Drafting Allowed between groups.

• Race #3 (Grade B) - 7 Laps x 4.75 km Loop; Start at 06:45 PM

  • Wave Start: All Men -> All Women

  • Drafting Rule: Men and Women cannot draft each other.

• Race #4 (Grade A) - 10 Laps x 4.75 km Loop; Start at 07:45 PM

  • Single Start: Elite Men + Juniors 

  • Drafting Rule: Drafting Allowed between groups.

** 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 necesarry 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. 

• The use of clipless pedals and cycling shoes is encouraged for safety purposes.

• Please use your Night Lights - Front Light recommended, Rear Blinkers are MANDATORY.

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 #3 where 7 Laps are required, when the race leader has done the 5th 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 confirmed 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.

PODIUM CEREMONY GUIDELINES

• For Race #1 & Race #2, the podium ceremony starts 10 minutes after each of the races.

• For Race #3 & Race #4, the podium ceremony starts 10 minutes after Race #4.

• Winners must be nearby to prepare for the ceremony.

• ONLY Podium winners can claim their awards - No representative allowed. Absent winners forfeit their awards.

• The winners are called in order: 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place. Proper race attire is required - No casual clothing.

• Awards are presented by Race Officials or VIPs; winners must stay for official photos before leaving the podium.