The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
11-12-2008: 2008 Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge secures largest international field ever.
Mark Watson / 12.12.2008
With a prize purse of more than quarter of a million $US the event draws the strongest teams from around the world, in a bid to out-do each other and the deep sands of the Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter) for a podium place and the US$40 000 up for grabs for the first across the line.
2007 winner Richard and Elina Ussher once again partner up in team Desert Island (NZL), however there is a depth in the 2008 field that may well put a halt to the kiwi duo. Mike Kloser’s Nike (USA) are in attendance, as are Sport 2000 Vibram Lafuma and Wilsa Helly Hansen from France. Orionhealth (NZL) and team NZ (NZL) round out the Kiwi contingent however ADCO/AROC (AUS) return to the global scene with a strong team to enhance the antipodean presence and a return to form may see the Aussies as the dark horses of the 2008 competition. Saab Salomon (GBR) cannot be discounted with their speed over land and Salomon Crested Butte are always a threat and podium contender.
This year’s challenge will travel for 6 days over 361 kilometres of varying terrain. Starting in the heart of Abu Dhabi city, athletes will initially be challenged with a 40km fast paced sprint involving cycling, kayaking and running. Transferring to the lush wildlife reserve of Sir Bani Yas Island, day two will see teams dodge Onyx and gazelle during the 45.5km Mountain bike stage before launching onto a 33km open water sea kayak. Day three produces a gruelling 82km open water sea kayak stage ending with a transfer to the mountainous dunes of the Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter). Two days and 107km’s of negotiating the vast dunes of the Rub al Khali progresses to a final transfer to the oasis town of Al Ain where the event concludes with a 12km mountain bike, 14.6 km train run including a 200m abseil, and finally a 27km mountain bike to the finish line at Jahill Fort in Al Ain.
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