French Endurance duo full of confidence

Today's ride will certainly be a challenge that reigning world champion Maya Killa Perringerard and Cecile Miletto of France will be hoping to overcome. Finishing first and second respectively at the 2000 World Endurance Championship in Compiegne, France, the two best friends have been here in the UAE for over three weeks now hoping to taste success on desert terrain.

"It certainly is very different from the terrain we are used to in Europe. But last week's ride has helped me and I hope to do well in the tomorrow's ride," Maya Killa, who recorded a 9th-place finish in last week's 120-kilometre ride, told Gulf News yesterday.

Cecile did not take part but helped Maya Killa in that ride once again revealing the close bond these two young French riders enjoy, which was forged during their junior European Team Gold medal-winning performance in 1997.

Maya and Cecile in fact crossed the finish line in Compiegne hand-in-hand on brother and sister Varoussa and Dynamik respectively, both fathered by the famous French stallion Persik.

"While the climate is really very good for us, the competition is tough. The UAE riders are very tough to beat on home ground and despite being world champion the pressure will be more on the UAE riders," said 23-year-old Maya, who had finished 11th in the 1998 world championship here in UAE.

Maya Killa said "After this ride I will be going back to France. I may come back for the Endurance World Cup in March in UAE but the big one is the European championship," said Maya Killa, who will be riding Dakota in today's ride.

Cecile will be riding Dynamik again today while Maya will be riding her own horse Dakota. A very consistent performer, Cecile has been regularly placed in CEI rides both in France and abroad. French champion in 1999, Cecile regular rides Dynamik and Diadur.

"This will be Dynamik's first appearance on sand. We have been training here over the last three weeks. I hope to do well," said Cecile, speaking from Mafraq Hotel. The 23-year-old French rider, who is a nurse by profession, picks riders from the UAE as the toughest to beat on home terrain.