The 2011 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge draws to a close today (Thursday, April 7), as the international field sets out on the event’s final Abu Dhabi leg. The stage will end what has been a spectacular opening round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship and second round of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup.

After negotiating the spectacular desertscapes of the Al Gharbia Western Region for five gruelling days, the final 294-kilometre stage begins at 7:00am when the riders, drivers and teams leave the desert bivouac – their home for the past five nights.

Leaving behind the vast expanses of Rub Al Khali (the Empty Quarter), the field will follow an anti-clockwise loop to the first checkpoint -14 kilometres east of the Humeem ADNOC station on Gatch Road. From there, they will embark on a 126-kilometre northwardly push towards the second checkpoint’s refuelling station - half way to Abu Dhabi.

Once refuelled, the challengers again zig-zag north, passing a pair of spectator viewpoints on the E65 Humeem Road as they reach the weeklong cross-country event’s home straight. The leaders are expected to finish at around 10:10am, bringing to a close some 1,570 kilometres of action in the 21st edition of one of the world’s most demanding desert-based rallies.

“I believe that driving 300km through Al Gharbia’s exceptionally tough terrain is equivalent to 600km in the Dakar Rally,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Vice-president of the FIA and president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), the rally organisers. “The demand on competitors is matched only by that on engines and vehicles – there is no tougher challenge anywhere in cross-country motorsport.”

All participants will complete a final drive back to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit – the iconic home of the Etihad Airways Formula One™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – for a spectator-friendly run that will conclude the 2011 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. The public is invited to show their support by congregating at the circuit’s Gate 8, where they will be able to see riders and drivers making their triumphant return to the city. Shortly after this, at 4:00pm, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge’s winners will be awarded their trophies at a spectacular ceremonial finish against the stunning backdrop of Yas Marina Yacht Club, where spectators are welcome to share in the celebrations.

“Abu Dhabi is now globally recognised as a world-class sporting events hub, with an extended motorsports portfolio underlining our credentials. With so many of our motorsports events taking place at Yas Marina Circuit, it is a fitting place to round off this year’s Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, the 2011 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is held under the title sponsorship of ADTA, which organises a premier portfolio of international sporting events, including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear