With temperatures in the 30s and a strong wind blowing, competitors of the first round of EDC 2017-2018 season had their challenge ahead. Over 80 competitors from around the world assembled in the Al Faqa desert to perform. The track proved to be challenging and yet manageable by competitors.

“The race was really good,” said overall moto winner, Aaron Mare of South Africa. “The track was quite fast today, but I felt like it suited me, so I really enjoyed it.”

Regular competitor and last year’s champion took second overall and first the Veterans Class in moto, Mohammed Al Balooshi, stated, “The first round is always special because you don’t know yet what level the competitors are at. I did much better than last year’s first round when I finished third, so I’m happy to finish second overall in this round and first in my class.”

This round saw two female competitors, Sune Schaffner and Dana Miskulnig, finishing 11th and 15th in 450 class respectively.

“It was a very quick start this morning that threw me a bit off my game, but after choppy start there was a nice flow that I got into,” Schaffner said about Friday’s race. “The track was really nice. It’s one of my favorites with a fast pace and some nice jumps.”

Miskulnig added, “I felt comfortable coming to this location because Al Faqa is very familiar. I like it a lot because there are a lot of rolling dunes and you don’t have to worry too much about the technical side, just go fast and look forward.”

The next round will be on 3 November at a location to be announced just before the event.

All additional information can be found at www.emiratesdesertchampionship.ae or by contacting nila@atcuae.ae for press inquiries.