More than 35 triathletes from across Germany have flown into the
Oasis City of Al Ain to take part in a dedicated, high-intensity training camp hosted by crack endurance squad,
Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon.
Led by team captain, Faris Al Sultan – the 2005 Hawaii Ironman World Champion and one of the world’s leading cyclists – the training camp covers a wide-diversity of core skills and preparation needed for the inaugural US$250,000 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon (ADIT), which takes place this Saturday, 13th March 2010 in the UAE capital.
Backed by, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the ADIT organisers, the initiative is one of the first steps in establishing the emirate as a world-class alternative winter training base for both elite and amateur athletes looking to escape the colder climates of the Northern hemisphere, and is a significant boost to Abu Dhabi’s growing ‘performance athletics’ credentials.
“Through initiatives such as this training camp we can bring together likeminded athletes who want to improve their skills whilst also being able to enjoy the good weather and take time to see Abu Dhabi’s many 
attractions. As these athletes will be competing for the first time this season in the UAE capital, it is of great benefit for them to take the time to work on their technique and fitness with us, so they are fully prepared,” said Al Sultan.
Most of the German triathletes will go head-to-head with more than 800 fellow enthusiasts, including many of the world’s top elites, for Saturday’s debut ADIT, which has been tipped as the ‘most hotly anticipated new race in 2010’ by US-based Triathlete magazine, the world's largest triathlon publication.
The adrenaline-pumping ADIT boasts two unique lengths; a 223kms ‘pure power’ course, which marks the ex-Europe debut of a race of this length and discipline distance, and a second 111.5kms route, which can be run as a team relay event. Both distances are open to elites and amateurs and have been specially designed to take in a host of Abu Dhabi city landmarks.
One of the key draws of the ADIT format, with a finishing running leg shorter than typical Ironman events, is that it allows athletes to recover faster and compete more often – a factor which has been identified as crucial to international triathlon community success.
Covering cycling, running and swimming, the routes will be a true test of physical and mental endurance – something the attending German athletes are eager to prepare for.
“I have come to Abu Dhabi to help train for Ironman Austria and so far it’s been great. This is my first time to the emirate and it is amazing how friendly everyone is; I even had people cheering me on in their cars,” said Marin Land from Herzogenaurach, Germany.
And Fabian Schminke, who is in Al Ain for the first time, said he was thinking of making it his permanent winter training base.
“The weather is perfect; it is exactly what I am looking for to train away from the cold of Europe. I heard about the emirate through Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon and the conditions have lived up to my expectations. I used to train in Spain, however I’m definitely warming to Al Ain as a new training destination,” said the 27-year-old from Amberg, Germany.
And triple Ironman finisher, Daniel Stumpf from Nuremburg, added that the camp has been critical to his preparation for the ADIT.
“I wanted to check out a new training venue and Al Ain has been really impressive with its wide asphalt roads. Also having the chance to ride through the desert was a really great feeling,” he said.