DOHA (Qatar): The fourth Doha Triathlon is most likely to see thrilling battles for top honours in various categories, according to Qatar Cycling & Triathlon Federation (QCTF).
The tournament, which will be held on February 7, will feature the ITU (International Triathlon Union) National Championships where the current number one-ranked Qatari Ebrahim Al Romaih will be seeking to unseat last year’s champion Saad Almejali.
Among the international talent, Bernard McCullogh (Ireland) who showed top form at the Dukhan Triathlon, will be taking on Mouhcine Rhaili (Morocco) and Aday Alvarez (Spain).
“By bringing the race under QCTF, we can continue to offer an exceptional level of quality while growing a sport which offers opportunities for so many to discover and enjoy healthy competition,” said QCTF President Dr Mohammed al Kuwari.
Finland’s Sundsted likely to dominate
Women’s triathlon in Qatar is currently dominated by former double Olympian cyclist, Pia Sundsted (Finland) ahead of Sophie Clarke (UK) and Andrea Stadler (Colombia).
The fourth edition, expecting to attract a record participation of over 500 competitors, will be held across three distances:
Olympic distance: 1500m swim, 40 km cycling and 10km running; Sprint distance: 750m swim, 20km cycling and 5km running; Super-Sprint: 325m swim, 10km cycling and 2.5km running.
With races for children and youths part of the programme too, this is an event for all levels of ability and all the family. It is an individual sport but the Doha Triathlon also allows groups of friends to tackle one discipline each, competing for team relay awards.
The 2020 edition sees QCTF and the team behind other major events such as the Al Adaid Desert Challenge, Ride of Champions and the Qatar National Triathlon Series, taking over full organisation of the event.
“The tournament is one of the greatest achievements of QCTF,” said Race Director Andrej Filip. “The Doha Triathlon is the main event of the now already well-established Qatar National Triathlon Series.”
