The second edition of the Dubai Desert Triathlon saw Mohamed Isa Alqais and Aude Touraine lifting the trophies at the Dubai International Endurance City on Friday with Yousef Barhum, Erwan Sidaner & David Serrano taking the team honours.
Ninety-four athletes participated 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 inaugural edition.
The overall men’s triathlon was won by Mohamed Isa Alqais of Bahrain ahead of Majed Mohamed Salman Hassan Mohammed Al Sabri, with Rashed Alghurair in third.
Alqais was ecstatic about winning and said, "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.
The event was born from a partnership between Dubai Sports Council and Meydan and 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.”
