Riding in the Desert

The Tour of Qatar has successfully revitalized road cycling culture in the country, overcoming its late 20th-century decline due to socio-economic changes. This revival is attributed to grassroots initiatives, including local rider integration, the establishment of the Tour of Al-Zubarah, and the creation of the Qatar Cyclists Cycling Club. However, challenges such as gender participation gaps and cultural stigmas remain obstacles to further growth. The chapter highlights the event's legacy in fostering structured cycling development while emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to address these barriers.

Griffin, T. R. (2022). Riding in the Desert. Routledge Handbook of Sport in the Middle East, 33–42. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003032915-5