Where to ride : Olympic Cycling Track
The OCT is a dedicated 33km long, two-way road for cyclists, running alongside the Al Khor Highway from Doha to Al Bayt Stadium outside Al Khor. After opening in 2020, the OCT was an instant game changer for cycling in Qatar - allowing riders to cycle in safety, alone and without support cars. Presently it is an out and back route but there are already connections being formed to the growing cycle path network and other roads north of the city. An extension around Al Bayt stadium is rumored for future development.
Most of the OCT is separated from the surrounding roads and substantial parts are fenced to prevent car access. The access points and parking are as follows:
Most of the OCT is separated from the surrounding roads and substantial parts are fenced to prevent car access. The access points and parking are as follows:
Doha (Qatar University)
(0km/33km 25°22'42.7"N 51°29'57.1"E) A large car park opposite Doha Golf club marks the start of the OCT at the Doha end. Although there are no facilities here, a local benefactor keeps a couple of cool boxes stocked with ice and water.
Lusail Sport Complex
(12.5km/20.5km 25°29'08.9"N 51°27'57.7"E) Adjacent to the Lusail Arena there is a small carpark for 25 cars . When the QU car park gets busy, this can be a good alternative starting point. No facilities.
You can hop off the OCT here to ride the Lusail service roads or get to the Lusail Moto GP circuit on cycling training nights.
You can hop off the OCT here to ride the Lusail service roads or get to the Lusail Moto GP circuit on cycling training nights.
Al Dayeen Woqod
(20km/13km 25°32'51.0"N 51°26'51.8"E) About 400m south of the Al Dayeen Woqod there is a bollarded access point to a trackside building outside which you'll find chilled water taps. If you need something more than water, it is a short distance up the adjacent road to the Woqod. Riding on through Umm Gurn connects you to the Wadi Al Lusail road to extend your ride south or north.
Al Dayeen
(22km/11km 25°34'04.2"N 51°27'01.6"E) This is the 'official' car park and OCT entry point at Al Dayeen. As for the other Al Dayeen access, it can also be used to extend a ride via the Wadi Lusail road. No facilities.
Tinbek
(26.5km/6.5km 25°36'05.1"N 51°28'28.1"E) Tinbek's collection of camel farms and old houses are an interesting glimpse of Qatari rural life. The access to the OCT is south of the village on the Al Khor Highway southbound slip road.
Tinbek has historical significance for QCR as one of the Friday ride early turning points in Summer months. Then, as now, your main reason for using this access point will be to extend a ride via Wadi Lusail. No shops or facilities in Tinbek.
Tinbek has historical significance for QCR as one of the Friday ride early turning points in Summer months. Then, as now, your main reason for using this access point will be to extend a ride via Wadi Lusail. No shops or facilities in Tinbek.
Al Bayt Stadium
(33km/0km 25°39'14.8"N 51°29'51.0"E) At the Al Khor end of the OCT there is no car park or facilities although there are service stations nearby here and here.
