Dubai: Mohammad Eisa Al Qais and Aude Touraine picked up the individual honours, while Yousuf Barhum, Erwan Sidaner and David Serrano took the team prize at the Second Dubai Desert Triathlon at Dubai International Endurance City this week.
After its debut in April this year, the second edition of the triathlon consisted of a 5-km run, a 40-km cycle and a 50-km endurance horse ride.
The overall men’s triathlon was won by Bahrain’s Al Qais ahead of Majid Mohammad Salman Hassan Mohammad Al Sabri and Rashid Al Gurair. The women’s event was won by Touraine of France ahead of Ines Pintenat and Najla Al Jeraiwi.
Al Qais said: “I am very happy to win the Dubai Desert Triathlon in my first attempt. I am experienced in both running and cycling, but I am a new rider, so it was a challenge for me. The event was perfect, as a concept it is unique and I look forward to competing again.”
Touraine added: “The Dubai Desert Triathlon was fantastic. As an endurance horse rider, doing the full triathlon helps us show how strong we are, as it is based on our fitness as well, not just the horse we ride. I cannot wait for the next race.”
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), in coordination with Meydan, the Dubai Desert Triathlon attracted nearly 100 participants and was part of the 43rd National Day celebrations of the UAE.
