'No other race like Challenge Sir Bani Yas': Spanish athlete all praise for Abu Dhabi's game-changing island triathlon
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The first Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon kicks off today in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region. Among those who flew in for the landmark competition was Spanish pro triathlete Sara Perez Sala, who is currently ranked 50th in the world and 2nd in her country.Sala has been looking forward to the challenge right from the day it was announced. "When I saw the announcement of the race along with the experience that was going to be racing on an island that is a kind of safari - it caught my attention because it seems to me that it is something unique!" she told Aletihad."In addition to this, Abu Dhabi is a place I really like to train and I thought it was a good idea to start the season here."Running until April 7, the Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon is the first long-distance race hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region. The event is set to occur annually through ADNEC Group, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and in partnership with the Challenge Family triathlon series, which hosts 35 races in 27 countries, with the participation of more than 75,000 athletes.Sala arrived in Abu Dhabi three weeks ahead to train for the tough race conditions, hoping the extra preparation would help her mentally. She is expecting the heat and her condition, ulcerative colitis, to make it difficult to get proper nourishment and hydration during the race."On a mental level, I think the first competition of the year always creates some uncertainty. Even so, I am looking forward to getting to Sir Bani Yas Island and enjoying what will be a unique competition," Sala said."I think the fact that it is a different race makes us more motivated and alert when competing."The triathlon includes long-distance and middle-distance swimming, cycling, and running events, as well as popular sports and tourism events for all participants. It is expected to welcome a huge audience of 2,800 participants, with over 1500 visitors coming from local and international destinations.Sala praised the event's organiser, highlighting that it provides all necessary information and handles every detail."As I said, Abu Dhabi is a great place for triathlon training and training camps. I like it a lot. And as for the race, I have not yet been able to see where it is, but I think that being able to compete in a kind of safari is going to be spectacular, and no other race has that," she added.Positive Thoughts, Motivation Bracing for the tough competition ahead, Sala shared a strategy to fuel her stamina."In my case, my race will last just over 4 hours, but if I had to last 17 hours in these extreme conditions I think I would have to have a list of positive thoughts and motivation to keep going for every kilometre when the going gets tough," she said. Besides optimism, the triathlete also stressed the importance of nutrition and hydration."Nutrition and hydration on the day of the competition are essential. People who are able to hydrate and eat properly and assimilate a large amount of carbohydrates have a huge advantage over people who cannot," she said. The support of spectators and her fellow athletes would also mean a lot, Sala added. "My advice would be to enjoy every kilometre of the event. The conditions will be tough, but you will be competing in a unique environment, enjoy it and think about the finish line that awaits you when your strength is flagging. The feeling of crossing the finish line of your first half or full distance is something unique and something you will never forget, so enjoy the whole race," she said.Sala is optimistic that the Abu Dhabi event would be a huge hit. The Challenge Sir Bani Yas would promote and inspire more people to engage, while providing opportunity for more athletes to participate in triathlon, she said.
"I think it will be a success because it is being organised with love, the venue will be unique and spectacular and I think there is a long list of professionals signed up, which indicates that it is an exciting race for us," Sala said.
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