ABU DHABI: Sam Laidlow, Sara Perez Sala, Henri Schoeman and Milan Agnew will be among a strong field competing in the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon this April, the Middle East’s first long-distance event of its kind.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the ruler’s representative in the Al-Dhafra region, the contest is the latest addition to the Challenge Family triathlon series.

Over 3,000 athletes are expected to take part in the event from April 3 to 7.

Throughout the year, challenge events of varying distances and locations take place across the globe, including New Zealand, Brazil, Turkiye, Italy and Taiwan.

And now with the Challenge Sir Bani Yas added to the roster — and becoming one of only four locations to host the event — participants and spectators can expect to rub shoulders with some of the world’s best triathletes.

French professional Laidlow, the youngest-ever Ironman World Champion, has chalked his name on the start line. After having an injury-ending season in 2024, the world No. 9 will be looking to make an impact to kickstart his year.

He will be joined by, among others, South African Olympic medalist Schoeman, who will no doubt feel confident after a solid 2024 season.

“I am excited to race Sir Bani Yas Challenge this year, it’s not often a completely new race comes along in what looks to be an amazing location,” said Laidlow. “There’s always something special about being part of an inaugural event, and I’m determined to take the top step.”

Looking to channel her 2022 victory at the series’ flagship race, The Championship, will be Spain’s Perez Sala. The former Olympic swimmer, who has been competing since the age of 6, will not be the only athlete to embrace the cooler Sir Bani Yas Island climate this April.

Young up-and-coming Australian, Agnew, who took the top spot in the Challenge Turku last year, as well as third at Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer, also makes her way to Abu Dhabi this April.

Britons Lottie Lucas and Max Stapley, who both call the UAE home, will be among the local athletes taking part.

“I am really looking forward to racing at the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas, which promises to be an exciting weekend for the triathlon community based in the UAE and beyond,” Lucas said.

“The entire weekend experience looks fantastic, and there will be plenty of time to put your feet up, relax and enjoy all the off-track fun.”

The event features both long- and middle-distance racing, with registration still open. The long-distance event features a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle and 42.2 km run.

Additionally, a middle-distance triathlon is offered, featuring a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycle and 21.1 km run. The event includes various community, sports and tourism activities.

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo’s fine goalscoring form continued in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday as he helped Al-Nassr defeat Al-Fateh 3-1 to move back into third place. 

A late strike made it three goals in two games for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as he moved clear at the top of the goalscoring standings with 14 for the season so far.

The deadlock was only broken four minutes before the break when Marwane Saadane put into his own net from close range after Angelo drove a low ball across the face of goal. Angelo was the provider of the second just before the hour, swinging over a free-kick for French defender Mohamed Simakan to head home his first goal for Al-Nassr.

At 2-0 the game seemed done and dusted, but with 18 minutes remaining, Al-Fateh, in last place in the standings, reduced the arrears thanks to Mourad Batna, who pounced after goalkeeper Bento spent too long on the ball inside his own area and was caught in possession.

Ronaldo spared Bento’s blushes with three minutes of normal time remaining, just as the visitors were threatening to take a surprising point.

It was so simple. Sadio Mane broke free down the left, passed to the far post, and there was the Portuguese star to sweep home with the minimum of fuss.

Ronaldo had the ball in the back of the net once more deep into injury time, smashing home spectacularly from the right side of the area, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.

Al-Nassr now have 35 points from 17 games, eight behind Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, who have a game in hand. 

Earlier in the day, Al-Ahli made it seven wins from the last eight in the league with a 5-0 thrashing of Al-Riyadh.

Two goals from England striker Ivan Toney and one each from Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Ziyad Al-Johani made the difference as the Jeddah club stay in fifth, three points behind Al-Nassr.