Dubai: Hard on the heels of his hat-trick of European victories, Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team captain Faris Al Sultan has set his sights on the gruelling Ironman 70.3 UK, his British competitive debut.
Taking place this Sunday in Brompton Regis, in the west of England, the Ironman 70.3 consists of three sections — a 1.9km swim, followed by a bike of 90.1km with a lung-bursting elevation of 1,748m before ending on a 21.1km run.
With a string of recent victories on the continent, Al Sultan — who leads the seven-member Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority-backed endurance squad — is confident his run of form will put him in good stead to tackle one of the world's toughest 70.3 triathlons.
And with its finishing-run leg longer than typical Ironman events, Abu Dhabi ace Al Sultan, who is still getting over the effects of a leg injury, knows it could be his toughest event of the year.
"It's the first time I've ever raced in Great Britain and the Ironman 70.3 UK is definitely one of the country's finest races," said Al Sultan, one of the sport's top endurance cyclists.
There's no doubt this is a tough one: the course is challenging with diverse terrain plus I will be competing against some of the world's leading competitors," said Al Sultan, one of the sport's top endurance cyclists.
"The injury took its toll yet things seem to be recovering well. I know that if I am to be successful in this event, I've got to play to my strengths in the swim and bike legs and open up enough of a lead to see me through to the end."
The race sold out in record time with more than 1,500 athletes, including some of the world's most respected elites, signed up to battle it out for international bragging rights.
Leading the charge in the men's category is former 2007 Ironman World Champion, Aussie Chris MacCormack.
He will be joined by defending champion Phil Graves. Also on the starting line will be fellow Briton, Fraser Cartmell, who won the Ironman 70.3 UK three years ago and came third last year.
With a daunting line-up facing Al Sultan, and the Ironman 70.3 UK's notorious reputation for its unpredictable weather and difficult conditions, the Abu Dhabi racer — who has three Ironman World Championship top three finishes under his belt, including a win in 2005 — is hoping for luck in the conditions this weekend: "I'm looking forward to representing our team in the UK and I hope for merciful and warm weather."
