Al Baloushi leads UAE team to Tunisia

Dubai: Three riders led by Mohammad Al Baloushi, under the sponsorship of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), will represent the UAE at the 2009 Enduro Carthage to be held in Tunisia today.

Being held as part of celebrations of the 22nd anniversary of the Change, the event for motorcycles and quads is being organised by the Tunisian Motorcycle Federation and Related Disciplines and will take place on a route between Raoued and Gammarth in North Tunisia.

Eight Arab and three European countries — Italy, France and Poland — will compete for two titles.

The enduro promises to test the off-road skills of seasoned riders from the Arab World against those from Europe.

The UAE team, led by Al Baloushi, also comprises Mubarak Al Ali and Ali Al Qubaisi.

In June this year, the three UAE riders made a clean sweep in the First Arab Enduro Championship and the overall team honours in Cairo.

Al Baloushi and his compatriots called on ATCUAE President Mohammad Bin Sulayem to apprise him of preparations ahead of their departure for Tunisia. Bin Sulayem, who was recently re-elected FIA vice-president, wished the team the very best, calling upon them to do their country proud.

"I am sure you will give your best. Do your country proud, by not just bringing us the laurels, but also by conducting yourself in a manner befitting Emiratis when we participate in championships away from our country," Bin Sulayem told the team.

Al Baloushi said they were prepared to take on the challenge and assured Bin Sulayem that all three members were leaving for the endure with an eye on the podium.