Dubai: The Victory Team pairing of Salem Al Adidi and Eisa Al Ali will be leaving nothing to chance as they set out for a successful defence of the world crown in less than two months’ time.
The UIM, the world governing body for powerboat racing, has announced a tentative five-round calendar that will get under way with the opening round in Tianjin (September 15-17) followed by the second round in Haiyang (September 22-24) and the third in Hangzhou (October 20-22) before heading for at least a couple of races in the UAE.
And the Victory Team — who have the enviable record of winning the world title on all four occasions since the new class of powerboat racing was first added to the UIM calendar in 2013 — are confident they can clinch a record fifth crown with the new pairing of Al Adidi and Al Ali in their Victory 3 boat.
“It’s a late start to the XCAT season, but that should not be an excuse for an establishment like Victory Team,” Al Adidi said.
“As a pair, both of us have been too focused on taking our game to the next level. We have been testing the boats, doing physical fitness, eating healthy and simply doing everything and anything that will help us keep our top position on the podium.
“No doubt, all teams have been preparing for the season. But I believe we have been doing that extra bit to ensure victory is ours at the end of the season,” the driver added.
