Media Release: ADAC Draws World-Class Field

Abu Dhabi, Dec 1st, 2009 - The promise of a topflight competition, coupled with an itinerary that highlights cultural as well as natural splendours, has lured a record number of local teams, newcomers and seasoned squads from around the globe to this year’s Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge.

After the initiatives taken by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, to promote local interest in the sport and encourage newcomers from around the globe, it is only natural that this year’s field comprises a record number of new teams and talent from the UAE. However, any local team hoping to improve on its 2008 ranking will have to contend with the four rookie teams aiming to be the first to emblazon the UAE flag with AR glory.

With seven teams in the race, France will be looking to the likes of ABU DHABI SPORTS COUNCIL/WILSA and VIBRAM SPORT 2000, two ADAC regulars with a long list of victories to their names, to bring home the honours while Sweden’s LUNDHAGS ADVENTURE is just one of three teams from a country no stranger to providing winners in the sport. Europe’s contingent is completed by teams from Germany, Ireland, Holland, Denmark, Italy, Belgium, Romania, Spain and the UK, one of which counts among its captains leading polar explorer Adrian Haynes.

The USA, with four teams in the race, can boast the likes of SALOMON CRESTED BUTTE and exciting ADAC newcomers, Checkpoint Zero/Inov-8, among their ranks while Oceania is represented by Kiwis QASR AL SARAB and ADCO, last year’s first and second finishing teams respectively, and ADCO–AUSTRALIA. The continents of Eurasia and Africa are both present with Singapore, China, Russia and South Africa all sending teams to compete in this multinational, Blue-Ribbon event. Factored into this list of 17 returnees and 23 rookies are the four teams selected to compete through the ADTA Awards program and they, given the criteria for qualification, have already proved their worth racing in domestic competition.

With 40 teams representing 20 different nationalities, the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge has formally established itself as one of the most compelling, topflight adventure race in the world.

Live race coverage and information at www.abudhabi-adventure.com