Challenge Sir Bani Yas results 2026: Schomburg and Christensen take the titles

The triathlon season moved up a gear with the unique Challenge Sir Bani Yas, which takes place on a natural island off the coast of Abu Dhabi in the Arabian Gulf.

Athletes race past free-roaming wildlife, including giraffes, antelopes, and gazelles, amid a vibrant race village atmosphere which provided a memorable setting for competitors and spectators alike, overlooked by the cruise ship, the event’s floating hotel.

And it saw impressive performances in both professional races, as Jonas Schomburg (GER) – on his birthday – and Katrine Græsbøll Christensen (DEN) took the respective titles.

Men’s race – Wire-to-wire for Schomburg

The wetsuit swim took place in the waters of the Arabian Gulf and a front group of six athletes formed midway through the swim, including Max Stapley (GBR), Henri Schoeman (RSA), Schomburg and Pierre Le Corre (FRA). Stapley, Schomburg, Schoeman and Kieran Lindars (GBR) exited the water together in just over 21 minutes, with a chase group of around 10 athletes, including Pieter Heemeryck (BEL) and Josh Ferris, following 50 seconds behind.

The bike course around the island’s ring road and through the hilly interior saw Schomburg and Stapley move to the front early, holding a one-minute advantage at 30 kilometres over a chase group containing Lindars and Heemeryck. As the race progressed, Schomburg extended his lead to 40 seconds over Stapley and more than a minute over Ferris and the remaining chasers. Stapley began to struggle and was later caught by the group behind. Schomburg reached T2 first with a one-minute advantage.

Schomburg continued to control the race on the multi-lap run course through the race village, maintaining a clear lead at the front. With three laps remaining, he held a one kilometre advantage, with Le Corre running in second and Ferris in third. Schomburg crossed the line to take victory in 3:13:52, followed by Le Corre in 3:18:03 and Ferris completing the podium in 3:18:30.

Jonas Schomburg Challenge Sir Bani Yas 2026 — Jonas Schomburg celebrates his win [Photo credit: Challenge Family]

“It’s my birthday, so I gave myself a present with the win”, said Schomburg. “It was a challenging race with choppy water during the swim, but we tried to push at the front. On the bike, I tried to push some watts after 10 km, opened a gap to Pierre Le Corre, and controlled the race on the run. I am really happy. Couldn’t ask for more.”

Women’s race – Christensen kicks clear on bike

Jolien Vermeylen (BEL) led out of the water in 24:04, followed by Fenella Langridge (GBR) and Natalie Van Coevorden (AUS), while Ellie Salthouse (AUS) emerged from the water one minute behind the lead group.

Vermeylen started the bike first, but Salthouse and Van Voevorden took over the lead early on. Then it was Christensen who moved steadily through the field, positioning herself in the lead heading into T2.

Christensen started the run with a 1:15 advantage over Salthouse and Van Coevorden, who began the run together more than three minutes ahead of Langridge. Maintaining a consistent pace throughout the multi-lap run, Christensen continued to extend her lead, eventually securing a clear victory in 3:37:45. Van Coevorden finished second in 3:41:35, with Salthouse rounding out the podium in 3:43:12.

Katrine Græsbøll Christensen Challenge Sir Bani Yas 2026 — Katrine Græsbøll Christensen crosses the line in triumph [Photo credit: Challenge Family]

“I did not have the best start on the swim, but I managed to catch some people on the swim and pushed all the way on the bike, and I was hoping that I would have good run legs,” said Christensen. “I saw two gazelles running across the road quite close to me, but I managed to get around them. The cruise ship was amazing. A cool experience, as I have never been on a cruise ship before. Being surrounded by both professional and age-group athletes was great.”