Second Dubai Desert triathlon makes successful return

The second edition of the Dubai Desert Triathlon, organised under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, on Friday saw Mohammed Isa Alqais and Aude Touraine lifting the trophies at the Dubai International Endurance City on Friday, with Yousef Barhum, Erwan Sidaner and David Serrano taking the team honours.
Ninety-four athletes participating in the second edition of the event which consisted of a 5km run, a 40km cycle and a 50km endurance horse ride, and proved to be as successful as the widely hailed inaugural edition in April.
The overall men's triathlon was won by Mohammed Isa Al Ghaith of Bahrain ahead of Majed Mohammed Salman Hassan Mohammed Al Sabri, with Rashed Alghurair in third.
Alqais was ecstatic about winning and was full of praise for the event, saying "I am very happy to win the Dubai Desert Triathlon in my first attempt. I am experienced in both running and cycling, but I am a new rider, so it was a challenge for me. The event was perfect, as a concept it is unique, and I look forward to competing again." The overall women's triathlon was won by Aude Touraine of France ahead of Ines Pintenat with Najla Aljeraiwi in third. Speaking about her victory, she said: "The Dubai Desert Triathlon was fantastic. As an endurance horse rider, doing the full triathlon helps us show how strong we are, as it is based on our fitness as well, not just the horse we ride. I cannot wait for the next race!" The team's triathlon was won by runner Yousef Barhum, cyclist Erwan Sidaner and rider David Serrano.
However, it wasn't just the winners who enjoyed the day, with all participants excited to be part of the second edition of this unique event. Competing in her first Dubai Desert Triathlon, Emma Phillips from England, said "I enjoyed the run, the course was very diverse. I'm used to running on road, so it was a fantastic to run off-road. I will definitely be doing it next time!" The event, a partnership between Dubai Sports Council and Meydan, once again showcased Dubai's varied sporting landscape, with the participants, support crews and spectators thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Nasser Al Rahmah, Director of Sport Events at the Dubai Sports Council, expressed his delight after yet another hugely successful edition, saying: "We are very pleased with how successful today has been, to see an increase in numbers from GCC countries, as well as such a diverse range of people competing together is wonderful." The Dubai Desert Triathlon is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council.
Source: WAM