Qatar will host one of the most widely anticipated cycling competitions this October, making it the first country in the Middle East to ever host the competition, in its 95-year history.
Organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale Doha, the World Road Championships will occur between Oct. 9 and 16, welcoming 1,000 racers from 75 different countries. Cyclists will ride across some of Qatar's finest landmarks, including Aspire Zone, the Pearl-Qatar and Education City.
Best part of all, roads will be closed during the event although "proposed closures were still being approved by authorities," according to Doha News .
Cyclists competing under the Men Under 23 Road Race (Oct. 13), Women Juniors Road Race (Oct. 14) and Men Juniors Road Race (Oct. 14) will take place at The Pearl, an artificial island spanning nearly four million square meters.
Cyclists competing under the Women Elite Road Race (Oct. 15) will take off from Education City and the Men Elite Road Race (Oct. 16) will take off from Aspire Zone.
Local organizers are seeking volunteers for the event. If you're interested you can consider applying here .
“Volunteers are such a vital part of the success of this event. They are part of the present and future of Qatar’s commitment to sport,” said Sheikh Khaled bin Ali Al-Thani, Doha 2016 chairman, according to Doha News .
The World Road Championship is an annual event, which the UCI has been organizing since 1921.
Qatar is on top of its game when it comes to the cycling scene in the region . The country hosts the Tour of Qatar, which was launched in 2002.
Earlier this year, Qatar refused to extend an invitation to the world's No. 1 cycling team Belgian-based Etixx-Quick-Step for the Tour of Qatar, accusing them of "lacking respect."