More than 1,000 local and international riders will participate in one of Qatar’s largest-ever cycling events this morning.

The Ride of Champions is part of the 2016 UCI Road World Championships, and the only chance where the “public can physically participate on the same field of play” with the pros, organizers said.

It runs from 7am to 10am, but participants are asked to show up as early as 5am to ensure they can find parking and sort out registration in time.

Closures

The 15 to 75km looped course begins at the National Exhibition Center by Katara Cultural Village, and finishes up at the Pearl-Qatar.

According to the Ministry of Interior, road closures will be in place on this route from 6:30am to 10:30am.

While registration for the event is now closed, spectators are welcome to cheer riders on from the fan zone at the Pearl.

It’s located at Qatar Beach in Costa Malaz, and will be open from 7am to 9pm today.

Remaining events

Also today, the Women’s Elite Road Race will be held from 12:45pm to 4:20pm.

This 134km course runs from Education City to the Pearl, whose roads will be closed during this time.

And the championships will close tomorrow with the Men’s Elite Road Race, which runs from 10:30am to 4:35pm.

This starts at the Aspire Zone and also ends up at the Pearl.

Have you watched any of the time trials or races yet? Thoughts?