The second edition of the electrifying Sharjah Sports Desert Festival (SSDF) has announced a line-up of some of the world’s best desert bikers and dune riders who will be competing in the spectacular thrills and spills event on Friday, January 12, at Al Badayer Desert in Sharjah. Themed ‘Become a Desert Hero’, the emirate’s most popular off-road racing competition is organised by Sharjah Sports TV, a subsidiary of Sharjah Media Corporation (SMC).

The off-roaders will compete in the preliminary endurance races, with 15 participants qualifying for the white-knuckle ‘Time Challenge’ races in each category, including Motor Cross 1 (MX1), Motor Cross 2 (MX2), Desert All-terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTV), also known as Side by Side (SxS).

Among the big names participating in the emirate’s most-highly anticipated desert sporting event will be South African champion Michael Docherty, also known as Iron Mike, champion of DMX 2017, who will race in the MX1 class. British motocross rider Ryan Blair, champion of DMX 2017 will compete in the Motor Cross 2 (MX2), along with compatriot Daniel Hutchinson, one of the great masters in KTM racing and member of the Al Balooshi racing team.