Latest news with #ChallengeSirBaniYasTriathlon
Al Etihad
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon concludes in Abu Dhabi
7 Apr 2025 18:00 ABU DHABI (WAM)Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the first Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon concluded in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The first-ever full-distance triathlon to take place in the Middle East and North Africa region ran from 3-7 April by the ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), Challenge Sir Bani Yas reinforces Abu Dhabi's and Al Dhafra's rising profile as premier sports tourism destinations, while also fostering greater community line with the UAE's 'Year of Community' initiative, the event brought together more than 3,100 elite and amateur athletes from 47 countries, competing across long, middle, and Olympic-distance triathlons, alongside a variety of community-focused races, which attracted 6,515 full-distance triathlon featured a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle, and a 42.2 km run. The middle-distance race included a 1.9 km swim, 96 km cycle, and 21.1 km run, while the Olympic-distance event consisted of a 1.5 km swim, 45 km cycle, and 10 km run. Organisers say the next edition will be held from January 29 to February 1.
Al Etihad
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed inaugurates Challenge Sir Bani Yas 2025
5 Apr 2025 19:06 ABU DHABI (WAM)On behalf of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, officially inaugurated the Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon, marking the first-ever full-distance triathlon to take place in the Middle East and North Yas bin Hamdan was accompanied by Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, Mohamad Ali Al Mansouri, Director General of Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Brigadier Hamdan Saif Al Mansouri, Director of the Al Dhafra Region Police Directorate, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC the visit, Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan toured the vibrant Race Village – the central hub of the event – which features entertainment and witnessed the start of the men's middle-distance race featured multiple ranked triathletes from across the Sir Bani Yas reinforces Abu Dhabi's and Al Dhafra's rising profile as premier sports tourism destinations, while also fostering greater community engagement. In line with the UAE's 'Year of Community' initiative, the event brings together more than 3,100 elite and amateur athletes from 47 countries, competing across long, middle, and Olympic-distance triathlons, alongside a variety of community-focused races held over two action-packed full-distance triathlon features a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle, and a 42.2 km run. The middle-distance race includes a 1.9 km swim, 96 km cycle, and 21.1 km run, while the Olympic-distance event consists of a 1.5 km swim, 45 km cycle, and 10 km addition, a wide selection of Community Races is available for participants of all ages and skill levels, ensuring an inclusive and memorable experience for families, first-time triathletes, and recreational athletes alike. These races offer a unique opportunity for everyone to be part of the triathlon excitement within the breathtaking setting of Sir Bani Yas Island. The Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon not only celebrates athletic excellence but also promotes the values of unity, health, and wellbeing, while showcasing the remarkable natural beauty and cultural heritage of Sir Bani Yas Island, a leading destination in the heart of the Al Dhafra Region.
Al Etihad
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
'No other race like Challenge Sir Bani Yas': Spanish athlete all praise for Abu Dhabi's game-changing island triathlon
2 Apr 2025 23:11 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Arab News
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Elite field set for inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon
ABU DHABI: Sam Laidlow, Sara Perez Sala, Henri Schoeman and Milan Agnew will be among a strong field competing in the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon this April, the Middle East's first long-distance event of its kind. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the ruler's representative in the Al-Dhafra region, the contest is the latest addition to the Challenge Family triathlon series. Over 3,000 athletes are expected to take part in the event from April 3 to 7. Throughout the year, challenge events of varying distances and locations take place across the globe, including New Zealand, Brazil, Turkiye, Italy and Taiwan. And now with the Challenge Sir Bani Yas added to the roster — and becoming one of only four locations to host the event — participants and spectators can expect to rub shoulders with some of the world's best triathletes. French professional Laidlow, the youngest-ever Ironman World Champion, has chalked his name on the start line. After having an injury-ending season in 2024, the world No. 9 will be looking to make an impact to kickstart his year. He will be joined by, among others, South African Olympic medalist Schoeman, who will no doubt feel confident after a solid 2024 season. 'I am excited to race Sir Bani Yas Challenge this year, it's not often a completely new race comes along in what looks to be an amazing location,' said Laidlow. 'There's always something special about being part of an inaugural event, and I'm determined to take the top step.' Looking to channel her 2022 victory at the series' flagship race, The Championship, will be Spain's Perez Sala. The former Olympic swimmer, who has been competing since the age of 6, will not be the only athlete to embrace the cooler Sir Bani Yas Island climate this April. Young up-and-coming Australian, Agnew, who took the top spot in the Challenge Turku last year, as well as third at Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer, also makes her way to Abu Dhabi this April. Britons Lottie Lucas and Max Stapley, who both call the UAE home, will be among the local athletes taking part. 'I am really looking forward to racing at the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas, which promises to be an exciting weekend for the triathlon community based in the UAE and beyond,' Lucas said. 'The entire weekend experience looks fantastic, and there will be plenty of time to put your feet up, relax and enjoy all the off-track fun.' The event features both long- and middle-distance racing, with registration still open. The long-distance event features a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle and 42.2 km run. Additionally, a middle-distance triathlon is offered, featuring a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycle and 21.1 km run. The event includes various community, sports and tourism activities.
