The inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas showcased some impressive performances from professional athletes with Jonathan Guisolan (SUI) and Aurelia Boulanger (FRA) securing decisive victories in the men’s and women’s pro races.
The hot and challenging conditions on the cycling and running courses tested the athletes' endurance. Despite the intense heat, the professional men and women delivered a thrilling display of skill and determination, offering an exciting spectacle for the spectators.
The race commenced with a 1.9km single lap swim in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. In the early stages, a lead group of four formed, but it was Henri Schoeman (RSA) who took the lead and exited the water first in 23:00. Csongor Lehmann (HUN), Martin Demuth (AUT), Kieran Lindars (GBR), and Emil Holm (DEN) were pushing the pace at the front on the 96km bike course. Meanwhile, Swiss competitor Jonathan Guisolan was gradually closing the gap from behind. During the second half of the bike, the heat and wind conditions added an extra layer of difficulty, but Guisolan made his move and broke away from the others, quickly extending his lead over the men’s chasers. From that point, Guisolan became the dominant force in the men's competition, maintaining a comfortable lead over the chasing pack and posting a split time of 2:11:13. As they headed into the run, the tension remained high while Guisolan continued to set the pace at the front of the men's race, but Lehmann, a middle-distance rookie, was now chasing in second position. The chase group behind Guisolan did everything they could, but they were unable to catch the Swiss triathlete. Guisolan claimed victory in 3:54:24, with Lehmann finishing in second place in 3:55:25 and Lindars taking third in 3:56:18.
“I just love the heat. Mentally, it doesn’t affect me,” said Guisolan. “I love to ride time trial, so I just pushed and waited for the others. I thought they would catch me.”
In the early stages, Spanish athlete Sara Pérez Sala established a commanding lead in the women's race, exiting the water in 24:44. As the athletes faced the challenging bike leg, Perez Sala continued to push her pace, creating an almost five-minute lead at kilometre 70. However, the race was not over yet, as Boulanger found her strength and entered T2 over two minutes behind Perez Sala, who completed the 96km bike course in 2:33:04. Heading into the run, the tension remained high as Perez Sala struggled to maintain her pace, allowing Boulanger to inch closer. Boulanger took the lead late in the race, overtaking Perez Sala. She finished in 4:22:07, ahead of Perez Sala who took second in 4:23:18 and Lottie Lucas (GBR) who rounded out the podium in 4:28:37.
“I definitely didn’t think I would win this race” – said Boulanger. “I prefer racing in the heat; it’s better for me.”
Over 3,100 athletes will participate in the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas which continues tomorrow with the community races that include run, bike and kayaking in the island paradise.
For further information, visit www.challenge-sirbaniyas.com.