Guisolan and Boulanger Claim Inaugural Titles at Challenge Sir Bani Yas
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 thedominant force in the men’s competition, maintaining a
comfortable lead over the chasing pack and posting asplit 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 Salaestablished 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.
Finish Line Interviews
Aurélia Boulanger – https://youtu.be/UWgfCHtWx6Q?si=EFUuFxxBa6k5U115
Jonathan Guisolan – https://youtu.be/uX6A8G7G_wc?si=kZlvAXh7dfKiTD0p
For full results, visit https://track.rtrt.me/e/CF-SIRBANIYAS-2025
For further information, visit http://www.challenge-sirbaniyas.com
Text Credits: Challenge Sir Bani Yas
Photo Credits: Challenge Sir Bani Yas
Video Credits: Challenge Sir Bani Yas
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