Triathlon: Sultan of the course

Dubai: There's no denying the fact that UAE resident Faris Al Sultan knows the 223km course set to stage the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Triathlon better than most of his competitors in the elite category, but the former world Ironman champion believes that will count for little come Saturday.

Speaking to XPRESS just days before the big race, Al Sultan said: "To be honest, knowledge of the course is not really an advantage. It is a pretty simple course which includes a flat bike and run course. What does give you an advantage is knowing the conditions, like being able to cope with the heat and knowing the direction of the winds.

"It's true any other athlete can mentally prepare themselves for that as well but it's never as good as being here to experience it."

Born to a German mother and an Iraqi father, Al Sultan has made the UAE his home for the past three years, and, as captain of Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon, leads the ‘local' challenge at the $250,000 event. "This is the second best field outside the Ironman competitions, so we can be proud to have such a quality field," he said.

"The race is pretty early for us in the season. No one knows how we will perform on race day. But we've had some solid training here, I'm injury free so I can't complain.

"I'm looking forward to the race which will be a challenge for us all," added Al Sultan, naming 2008 Ironman World Championship runner-up Eneko Llanos and last year's Ironman China winner Rasmus Henning as the men to look out for.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), have pinned their hopes on the event giving the sport a major boost within the Emirates. "I'm pretty sure it will," said Al Sultan.

"It is a great advertising vehicle for a multi-sport lifestyle. Of course today people have many responsibilities in their life.

"We won't see thousands of people take up Ironman once the race is over, but maybe they might get off to some start with a little jog," added the 32-year-old.