Abu Dhabi: Just as Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon captain Faris Al Sultan had predicted in XPRESS last week, Spaniard Eneko Llanos turned out to be the man to watch at the first Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
Few would argue that the former Ironman Lanzarote winner was not richly deserving of the winner’s purse of $50,000 after he recovered a 51-second gap which separated him from first place following the 200km cycling stage. “The distance was a big challenge and I can’t believe I [finished] in first place. I will be coming back next year for sure,” he said.
Despite her dominance, the 223km course took a lot out of women’s winner Julie Dibens but she too stressed her desire to defend her title in 2011. The course was great but the distance was too long for me which, combined with the heat, made things a little bit difficult. The organisation of the race was great and I am definitely looking forward to coming back next year,” said the Briton.
It wasn’t a bad race at all for Ali Ain resident Al Sultan himself, who gave the local support plenty to smile about with an impressive sixth-place finish.
Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon also took top honours in the short course individual competitions. Dutchman Jans Van Berkel prevailed among the men while Ina Reinders of Germany clinched the women’s crown.
