Reinders' healthy victory

Members of Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon celebrate winning the Team Trial Triathlon in Hamburg yesterday.

Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon, the UAE capital's specialist outfit of seasoned triathlon professionals, have at last tasted gold. After storming to a middle-distance victory in the Allgau Triathlon, Team Abu Dhabi's Ina Reinders landed the coveted title of German Champion. Reinders was first out the water, dominated the cycle section and never looked back during the run.

With men and women setting off simultaneously, Germany's new national champion finished first in the overall field to seal a comprehensive win. "I've had some health problems, but I've trained quite well the last few weeks," said Reinders. "After a break it's hard to define the actual shape you're in - I'm thrilled to have won." The three-man outfit of Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon, captained by Faris al Sultan and including Sven Sundberg and Werner Leitner, coasted to victory in the shared discipline of Germany's biggest triathlon event.

With about 8,000 athletes lining up in Hamburg, none could handle the trio's blistering pace. Al Sultan secured the early momentum, emerging first from the water. Sundberg then extended the lead with an aggressive bike section, before Leitner, who took the place of Andrea Boecherer at the last minute, wrapped up a start-to-finish victory as the triumphant team finished minutes ahead of second place.

"It's been a great weekend, we've won two events and Ina is German champion," said Leitner, the manager of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority-backed team. "I retired last year and only filled the gap so Andrea can prepare for Ironman Canada - it's a great win," he said. [e-mail]