Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has unveiled its fourth Team Abu Dhabi initiative, aiming to promote the Abu Dhabi brand, and destination, at triathlons across the world – and lay the foundations for the UAE capital to host a triathlon event in the future.
The new triathlon team will now contest 11 major international Ironman and triathlon fixtures across Germany, the USA and Canada in the 2009 season in Team Abu Dhabi colours.
Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon becomes the fourth Team Abu Dhabi, joining the World Rally team, the F1 powerboat team and the Hannes Arch Red Bull air race team.
Al Ain resident Faris Al Sultan, a former World Ironman Champion and winner of several Ironman contests in the US, Asia and Europe, heads the team, which includes former European Ironman champions Andrea Brede, Swen Sundberg, Andi Bocherer and Ina Reinders.
With the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon also has two key sponsors: German frameset specialist Storck Bicycle GmbH and Suunto. Team outfitters include: Adidas, Aqua Sphere, Continental, Oakley, PowerBar, Shimano, PLG, SRM and Xentis.
“Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon will work for us in three ways,” said ADTA Deputy Director General Ahmed Hussein. “Firstly, it will be an important promotional tool in Germany, which is one of our key European markets as well as among the worldwide triathlete community which is looking for healthy, outdoor adventure.
"Secondly, we hope the move will establish a firm foundation for Abu Dhabi to host an international triathlon event in the not too distant future. And thirdly, we look to the initiative to inspire a new generation of triathletes within Abu Dhabi, particularly among young Emiratis whose cultural Bedouin heritage of strength, fortitude and resilience could serve them well in this most challenging of sports.”
Al Ain resident Faris Al Sultan, added, "The team and I feel it is a great honour to represent Abu Dhabi and promote the Emirate worldwide. Hopefully, we can be as successful as our fellow Team Abu Dhabi Motorsport champions. We have an interesting year ahead of us starting with the Ironman Germany event in three weeks’ time. That should be a good outing and then we head into the rest of the season with runs in America and Canada."
Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon Manager Werner Leitner said the initiative is a major boost for the sport and could lead to a substantial expansion of the team.
“This gives us a great opportunity to expand the team in 2010. We will look to recruit other triathletes from either the UK or Australia, given the importance of both countries to Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy and their thriving triathlon communities. Our goal is to become the leading team in triathlon,” he said.
"We will back here in December for the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge endurance race and will use the emirate’s fantastic facilities as a winter training venue,” Leitner added.
