The Abu Dhabi brand, helmed by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, added to their peculiar collection of sports teams today as they unveiled Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon at a press conference at the city’s Shangri-La hotel. The team , which will compete in Abu Dhabi colours at 11 competitions this year, consisted of five German athletes, only one of whom lives and trains in the emirate. The brand already sponsor Hannes Arch in the Red Bull Air Race, as well as a F1 powerboat team. The triathlon, which first took place in San Diego in 1974, traditionally combines a 1.5km swim, followed by a 40km bike ride and 10km run. Between them, the Abu Dhabi team have won seven competitions.
Faris Al Sultan is an Al Ain-based ‘Ironman’, and five times champion in international triathlon events. He spoke passionately about the formation of the team, hoping that it will inspire residents of Abu Dhabi to involve themselves in sporting events of this nature. To emphasize this point, the audience was introduced to two school-age triathletes from Al Raha International School who took the stage for a photo session, but gave no speech.
ADTA hope that the team will compete at an Abu Dhabi-based triathlon within the next 12 months. For the time being, local fans of the sport can cheer their team when they arrive in the emirate for the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, which will take place on December 4.
