With three of its athletes finishing in the top 10 of 2009's Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon is hoping to put in a winning performance at the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Triathlon (ADIT), taking place on 13th March in the United Arab Emirates' capital.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which manages the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi - the largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates - sponsors Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon.

32-year-old Faris Al Sultan is Captain of Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon. He's the 2005 Ironman World Champion and is globally renowned as one of the greatest Ironman cyclists of all time.

We get the inside word on the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Triathlon and Faris' expectations of his team's performance.

Faris, how did you come to be part of, and captain of, Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon?

The idea of creating a crack endurance squad was something we considered for a while, and was thought up by myself, Swen Sundberg and Wener Leitner. I have had strong ties with Abu Dhabi for some time, and built up a great relationship as an advisor for what is now the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, which takes place this month. As they say, one thing led to another, and here we are. It's a great place to be associated with and the support we receive from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is fantastic.

As for becoming captain, I think it was a logical choice as I have the most experience.

How are you feeling about the new upcoming Abu Dhabi International Triathlon? What training have you been doing in preparation for the race?

I am very happy that the event is taking place, and I know it will be a first class triathlon when it debuts. Although I am not directly involved in the staging and details of the race, I am confident that it will be very well received and should attract a great number of athletes from around the world.

We've been training in Al Ain for the most part of the winter, as it provides great conditions for us to develop our skills. At present, we've been undertaking all-round training; however our main focus going forward will be working on tackling the long bike ride and pushing hard on time trial practice.

What's different about ADIT and distinguishes it from other competitions and what are you most looking forward to?

There are a number of factors which make the ADIT unique; the distance, the format and, of course, the location. This distance is a major pull for athletes; as it is less punishing in terms of recovery times as a full Ironman event. This means athletes can compete more often. In addition, as a season opening event, it works extremely well as if you went straight into a full Ironman after the winter break; you'd see a lot of injuries, which could really hamper a racer's season.

The format is really great too, as it boasts two unique distances - the 223kms and the 111.5kms, with the latter being able to be raced as a relay. This makes it much more accessible to a wide range of athletes, both amateur and elite. Also, the prize money is split between the two, which helps and adds incentive.

Lastly, the location of the race in the heart of Abu Dhabi city will be fantastic. Racing past some of the emirate's most amazing landmarks such as the Emirates Palace and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world's largest, will be great as will cycling around the Yas Island Marina Circuit, which was home to the recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

It's great that it will happen on home soil for TADT, how much of a difference will having a home crowd make?

Of course it is always motivating to be racing in a destination which has given you so much, and for that we are indebted. As for a home advantage, I have to say I think the course is very even. As a pure power course, this race is dependant on stamina and pace, and less on technical aspects, so having prior knowledge of the route won't make a huge difference.

How involved were you in setting the distance and route for ADIT?

Not very; although I was a consultant on the original concept, much of the final decision work came from ADTA; I just helped refine a few elements to make it the best that it could be and to make it a fair racing platform.

What do you think will be the main benefits for the destination, and ADTA, by hosting this event?

There are very strong benefits with staging a high-profile race of this kind, which transcend economic, social, tourism and destination awareness boundaries. Given the wide reach of this event, I believe we will see participant sign-up for across the world, which brings great exposure in those markets for Abu Dhabi.

Also, by bringing athletes in you expose them to all the destination has to offer, which may result in repeat visitors. This is in addition to many athletes bringing their families with them, and as a result, extending their stays longer than is required.

All of this has a distinct economic value as well, which can only be positive for Abu Dhabi.

We follow the team's competitions - congratulations on your successes - especially your Top 10 finish in the 2009 Ironman World Championship. What are the team's goals in 2010, and yours personally?

The goal is quite simply to be as successful as possible. We have nearly doubled the team for 2010, bringing in Peter Jacobs from Australia, Rachel Joyce from the UK and Jans Van Berkel from the Netherlands, which give us so many more options going forward. Through this expansion we have become a far more balanced, international team and we have managed to broaden our scope for competition.

What's been the highlight of your career so far with Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon?

I think it would have to be actually assembling the team and making it a reality. Much of that thanks has to go to ADTA and we are all looking forward to a great 2010 season, and especially the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

This entry was written by Meredith Carson, posted on 02 March 2010