The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
ADTA Initiative Supports Up-And-Coming Athletes' International Sporting Hopes
New Release / 04.11.2009
This year's winning teams are South Africa's Team ww.ar.co.za, Sweden's Team Herkules, the UK's Team Sleepmonsters.com and the USA's Team Checkpoint Zero/INOV-8. Under the scholarship, the four teams now have an all-expense paid wildcard entry for the 428km, cross-emirate Abu Dhabi showpiece, running 4-9th December, 2009.
The scholarship was created by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) to assist 'up and coming' global athletes to enter the Adventure Challenge – the world's most internationally represented endurance race. The scholarships go to teams which have never raced professionally, and with a proven track in their own domestic races.
"This programme meets our ongoing objective of providing a platform for would-be athletes to take their professional careers to new heights. The ADTA Awards is an extension of our adventure athletics programme and is an important facet in adding impetus to the sport and fostering future talent," said Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, ADTA, the body which manages the tourism programme for the emirate, one of seven which make up the United Arab Emirates.
The ADTA Awards' teams are eagerly anticipating their Abu Dhabi debut as they get set to test their mettle against some of the world's best racers across some of the world's most demanding terrain, from the vast Empty Quarter – the world's largest expanse of unbroken sand – to the dizzy heights of Jebel Hafeet, the rocky range which backdrops the Oasis City of Al Ain
"We believe that our squad possesses the necessary mix of skills, experience and ambition to challenge established top teams for podium honours in whatever races we participate in," said Peter Cole of Sleepmonsters.com, which beat off some stiff opposition to qualify for the award after racking up an impressive stack of victories and near misses on the UK and Irish domestic circuits this year.
However, Team Checkpoint Zero/INOV-8, another multifaceted group with diverse sporting backgrounds, will be one to watch. The outfit from West Virginia, USA, has built a reputation for itself with several strong seasons, resulting in many podium finishes across the country. "Over the years the team makeup has changed, but we have remained a relatively tight team over the past three years," explains team captain Peter Jolles.
"Winning the Checkpoint Tracker Series and getting selected to be in the Adventure Challenge has been the highlight of our season. We're thrilled to get a chance to race outside our home territory and to toe the line with some of the world's best teams."
SleepMonsters
