AlFursan Review: Operational Trials and Technical Readiness Venue Audit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

February 28 2026

The recently completed test event, specifically the AlFursan Endurance AlUla 2026 and the associated Mutadil Endurance Cup, served as the final major operational trial ahead of the FEI Endurance World Championship scheduled for November 2026. The event provided critical insights into the readiness of the venue and the course, with significant feedback gathering from participating teams and National Federations (NFs).

Event Overview and Results

The competition featured intense racing across varied desert terrain, attracting elite riders from around the world.

• The Main Event (CEI3 160km):* The Mutadil Endurance Cup concluded with a dramatic finish. Emirati rider Mohammed Al Mazrouei claimed victory with a time of 7:23:43, followed just one second behind by Bahraini rider Abdulhamid Al Hashemi.
• The CEI2 (120km):* Held the day prior, this race was won by Saudi rider Muhannad Alsalmi for the second consecutive year.
• Scale: The event saw participation from approximately 200 to 300 riders representing numerous countries, serving as a stress test for the venue's infrastructure.

Teams' Perspectives and Feedback

A primary objective of this event was to gather "Chef d’Equipe" and team feedback to refine the 2026 Championship experience. Perspectives focused heavily on the technical difficulty of the track and logistical support.

1. Technical Course Feedback: Teams and National Federations (NFs) expressed specific concerns regarding the new loops designed for the Championship:

• Excessive Technicality: NFs raised concerns about the "excessive technicality" of the new Green and White loops. Specifically, riders noted difficult transitions between stony footing and deep sand, which disrupted the rhythm of the horses.
• Course Adjustments: In response to this team feedback, organizers have already implemented modifications. Approximately 13km (8%) of the trails in the start/finish zone were adjusted to create more stable footing. Furthermore, the Green loop was re-routed and successfully tested during the CEI 1*/2* events, while the White loop underwent adjustments to remove sections of deep sand and steep inclines.

2. Logistical and Operational Inquiries: During the Chef d’Equipe Seminar held at the test event, teams sought clarity on essential support logistics for the upcoming World Championship:

• Crew and Support: Teams clarified that while the Organizing Committee (OC) will provide personnel for water points, NFs are responsible for their own crews at designated Crew Points.
• Transport and Equipment: Teams raised questions regarding off-road vehicles. The OC clarified they would not provide cars at their own expense but would investigate rental agencies permitting off-road driving for team use.
• Stabling and Provisions: Teams were informed that while initial bedding (wood shavings) is provided, additional bedding and horse feed must be purchased on-site through local suppliers.

Strategic Value of the Test Event

From the perspective of the organizers and the FEI, the event was not just a competition but a comprehensive audit of AlUla's capability to host a world-class championship.

• Logistics Stress Test: The event tested the movement of horses, with charter flights arriving from hubs like Liège, verifying the efficiency of the import/export and bio-security protocols.
• Veterinary Standards: High-performance levels observed during the Mutadil Cup were interpreted by officials as evidence that the veterinary and welfare standards are aligned with global expectations for 2026.

The test event successfully highlighted AlUla’s unique integration of sport and heritage, with riders navigating landmarks like Hegra and Elephant Rock, while simultaneously identifying and resolving technical track issues raised by the international teams.

Saudi Arabia: Al Fursan Cup - Alisija Zabavska

Lithuania’s Alisija Zabavska shares her experience riding the FEI** 120-km Al Fursan Cup

February 13 2026
By Alisija Zabavska

The best friendships are built on a bonds, that are created by overcoming a struggles, an adventures, mutual interests, things in common and a happy ends. This is exactly how this one was built.

Efi Koutsafti and I didn’t know of one another at all, till we met in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia for the first time, representing Greece & Lithuania, at a prestigious FEI **120km Al Fursan Cup, which drew 200 starters from a record 71 countries.

As soon as I finally got there, from a 35 hour travel on a day of a vet inspection, we were thrown on the horses we were entered on, to go for a quick test ride and then immediately after that I needed to get some sleep. That’s when I found out that a farm stay, that was booked for us, had only one room for the ladies, with a king size bed and a bathroom to share. Neither of us were thrilled about it but in this situation it was too late to make any last minute changes. We didn’t get a chance to chat at all, because when Efi got to the farm that evening - I was already passed out.

Next morning, we got up early to get picked up to go to the venue and that’s when, during a ride there, I noticed a picture of a cute pup on Efi’s phone screen. I had to share mine with her, only of a 2 pups. That’s how we learned the first commonality - we both loved and lost and that’s how we ended up coping with the forever broken heart.

Ones we got to the venue, it got busy again with the race and then again, after a take off, with 3 horses total in our group, including a young girl from Sweden - Emma, we hardly spoke to one another, because our horses were a little different in personalities, to say the least.

Sadly, Emma’s horse didn’t make it to the last loop, so it was just Efi and I. That is how we started discovering even more shared commonalities, including our age, religious beliefs, the bloodlines of or equine partners, personal lives and so on, which was absolutely amazing, considering we both came from such a different parts of the world, as well as backgrounds and cultures, while our horses were pairing up very well together at that point and doing a great job looking fresh, thanks to their amazingly talented and hardworking trainer - Thibaut Launay.

We rode all the way to the finish and decided to cross the line side by side, to memorize this amazing bond we have created!

Photo credit to Shanti Roos.

Saudi Arabia: Al Fursan Cup weekend results

Endurance Lifestyle photo

Endurance.net

February 11 2025
By Endurance.net

Two races were held over Saudi Arabia’s AlUla course which will host the 2026 World Endurance Championship in November.

Saturday’s 120-km CEI2* Al Fursan Endurance Cup had 200 starters and 83 finishers.

Winner was Saudi Arabia’s Muhannad Alsalmi aboard Nebras Muscat. It was Alsalmi’s second win in a row in the cup. The UAE took second, third, and fourth places. Saeed Mohd Albaloushi finished 4 seconds back in second aboard Castlebar Shazam, Saeed Ahman Alharbi rode La Tache D’Jok Trio to third place, and Saif Almazrouei rode Abela De L Enclos to fourth.

The Netherlands’ Marijke Visser was the first European to finish. Riding Djawann De Madigou, they finished in 11th place.

Sunday’s featured 160-km Mutadil Endurance Cup had 90 starters and 19 finishers.

UAE’s Saif Almazrouei finished first aboard Bullio Quasillo in a ride time of 7:23.43. Bahrain’s Mohd Abdulhamid Alhashemi was second by a nose riding Everest La Majorie. UAE’s Hamad Alkaabi rode Bullio Ozzie Jo to third place.

The first European finishers were Spain’s Jaume Punti Dachs aboard JM Jift, riding with his wife Maria Alvarez Ponton aboard Cinetek De Becherel to 5th and 5th place.

Analyses of the races will follow on Endurance.net.

AlUla 2026 Preview: The "Sandbox" Dress Rehearsal Before the World Championship Showdown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

February 5 2026

ALULA, KSA — Dec 9, 2025 — The endurance world is turning its eyes back to the desert. With the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championship slated for AlUla next November, the upcoming AlFursan Cup in February 2026 has transformed from a prestigious calendar event into the ultimate strategic battleground.

For the National Federations, the "off-season" is officially over. This February isn't just about the purse money; it’s the final, full-scale dress rehearsal on the WEC track.

Here is the Endurance.net analysis on who is bringing what to the desert, and how you can track the action from home.

The State of Play: A Three-Front War

As teams finalize their shipping logistics for February, the strategic landscape has split into three distinct camps.

1. Bahrain: The "Shock and Awe" Strategy

Fresh off back-to-back Individual World titles, HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Royal Endurance Team (Victorious) are the pace-setters. Their strategy for February is expected to be aggressive. Sources suggest Bahrain will use the AlFursan Cup to test the "red line" of their top WEC prospects.

• The Endurance.net Take: Watch the splits on Loop 2. If the Royal Team is pushing 24+ km/h early, they aren't just racing; they are stress-testing their horses’ recovery rates in the specific deep sand of the Hijaz. They want to know exactly how much gas is in the tank for November.

2. The UAE: The Heavy Artillery

The powerhouse stables of M7 and F3 are reportedly sending a full contingent. After settling for Silver in Monpazier, the UAE is looking to re-establish dominance on the type of terrain they own: flat, fast, and technical sand.

• The Endurance.net Take: Look for the "Pack Strategy." Unlike the Europeans who often ride individually, expect the UAE to ride in a phalanx of four to five riders. Their goal in February is to prove they can dominate the podium (1-2-3) and intimidate the opposition before the main event in November.

3. Saudi Arabia: The Home Turf Spoilers

The win by Muhannad Alsalmi in 2025 changed the narrative. The Saudi team (Al Fursan) proved they are no longer just hosts—they are contenders.

• The Endurance.net Take: Local knowledge is king. While the visiting teams rely on GPS, the Saudi riders know exactly where the volcanic rock shifts to soft footing. Watch for them to ride a conservative first half, aiming to pick off the "burned out" leaders in the final loops.

4. Team Europe: The Data Gathering Mission

For France (The Reigning World Champions), Spain, and Italy, February is a logistics test. The goal isn't necessarily to win, but to measure recovery metrics.

• The Endurance.net Take: Don't be surprised if the top French riders finish 10th or 15th. They are likely riding to strict heart-rate parameters to gather data on how their horses acclimatize to the dry heat. A sound completion in February is worth more to Chef d'Equipe Jean-Michel Grimal than a risky podium.

Fan Guide: How to Follow the "Pre-Ride"

For fans tracking the road to WEC 2026, the February race offers crucial clues. Here is your "Next Steps" plan to follow the action live:

1. The App Setup

Forget the livestream; the real story is in the data. Make sure you have the Yamamah or official timing app installed.

• Pro Tip: Flag the "Recovery Time" column. In AlUla, the race is won in the vet gate. A horse pulsing down in 2 minutes vs. 4 minutes in February is the indicator of who will be standing on the podium in November.

2. Watch the "B-String" Riders

Often, the top stables will put their secondary riders on their best horses to keep the pressure off.

• What to look for: Check the start list for top-tier horses (previous 160km finishers) entered under different jockeys. These are the "hidden" WEC contenders being given a quiet run-out.

3. The "Day After" Report

The race isn't over when they cross the finish line. The true test is the Best Condition judging and the soundness checks the following morning.

• The Reality: A win in February means nothing if the horse isn't sound the next day. Keep an eye on social media reports from the stables on Sunday morning to see which horses trotted up clean.

Endurance.net will be providing full coverage and live updates as the teams descend on AlUla. The road to the 2026 World Championship starts now.

Report by the Endurance.net Team

An Analysis of a Possible Chilean Team for the 2026 WEC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

February 3 2026

As of December 9, 2025, Chile holds the status of a "high-potential wild card" for the 2026 World Endurance Championship.

While Brazil is the volume leader in South America, Chile produces elite individual riders who often train and compete in Europe or the UAE, making them dangerous competitors for a top-10 individual finish.

Here is the detailed status of the Chilean Team ("La Roja") for the 2026 cycle:

1. Current Team Status: The "European" Advantage

Unlike other South American teams that struggle with travel logistics, Chile’s top riders are often already based in Europe or have long-standing leases with European stables.

• Strategic Edge: This allows them to compete regularly against the French, Spanish, and Italian elites, gaining experience at the speeds required for the World Championship.
• Recent Momentum: The Chilean federation (Federación Ecuestre de Chile) is currently celebrating a strong performance at the 2025 Pan American Championships in Brazil (July 2025), where their Young Rider squad performed historically well. This success indicates a strong pipeline of talent that may step up to the Senior level for AlUla.

2. Key Contenders ("The Watch List")

The Chilean effort is spearheaded by one of the most respected professional riders in the global circuit.

• Boni Viada de Vivero: The superstar of Chilean endurance.
• Status: Boni is a world-class rider who has spent years competing in Italy (often associated with the elite Fuxiateam stable).
• The "AlUla" Factor: Because he competes weekly in Europe against the world's best, he is accustomed to the 22+ km/h speeds required to win. If he has a sound horse (often leased from a top Italian or UAE owner), he is a legitimate medal contender individually.
• Pablo Gómez Martínez:
• Status: A consistent high-level competitor who has represented Chile at multiple championships. He remains a core part of the team's backbone.

• The "Pan Am" Graduates: Watch for the top performers from the 2025 Pan American team (Young Riders) to potentially fill the 4th and 5th spots on the senior roster, gaining valuable experience.

3. Strategic Outlook for AlUla

• Individual Glory vs. Team Completion: Chile rarely has the depth to challenge France or Spain for the Team Gold. Instead, their strategy is usually individual focused.
• Tactics: Expect their top rider (likely Boni) to ride with the lead pack (UAE/Bahrain/Spain) from the start, while the rest of the team rides a conservative race to ensure a team finish.

Summary of South American Hierarchy

1. Brazil: The Team Contender (Aiming for a medal).
2. Chile: The Individual Contender (Aiming for a top-10 finish).
3. Uruguay: The Tactical Contender (Aiming for high completion).

An Analysis of a Possible Saudi Arabian Team for the 2026 WEC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

February 1 2026

As of December 9, 2025, Saudi Arabia (KSA) holds the status of the Rising Host with arguably the most momentum of any nation in the sport.

While they have historically been in the shadow of their neighbors (UAE and Bahrain), the 2026 World Championship is their "coming out party." As the host nation, they have invested heavily in infrastructure and horse power to ensure they are not just organizers, but medal contenders.

Here is the detailed status of the Saudi Arabian Team ("Al Fursan") for the 2026 cycle:

1. Current Team Status: The "Home Turf" Advantage

Saudi Arabia enters this championship with a massive logistical advantage: The Al Fursan Equestrian Village is their backyard.

• The "Custodian" Boost: The Saudi team is riding high after a historic victory in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in February 2025. This race, held on the same tracks as the upcoming World Championship, was won by a Saudi rider (Muhannad Alsalmi), proving that KSA can beat the UAE and Bahraini giants on home soil.
• Test Event Success: A dedicated Test Event was held just weeks ago (November 28, 2025) to simulate the World Championship conditions. The Saudi federation used this to finalize their course management strategies, giving their riders a "cheat sheet" on where the deep sand traps and rocky technical sections are located.

2. Key Contenders ("The Royal Squad")

The Saudi team is spearheaded by a mix of royalty and professional talent, supported by the Saudi Equestrian Federation (SAEF).

• Muhannad Alsalmi: The current star of Saudi endurance.
• Status: Winner of the 2025 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup (120km).
• Significance: His victory was a watershed moment, breaking the UAE/Bahrain winning streak in AlUla. He is the likely anchor for the 2026 team.
• HRH Prince Abdullah bin Fahad bin Abdullah Al Saud:
• Status: As the Chairman of the SAEF, he is the architect of the Saudi program. While he is an active rider, his primary role may be strategic leadership, though he has competed at high levels previously.
• Rayyan Al Mubalat: A consistent performer in regional CEI events who represents the depth of the Saudi bench.

3. Strategic Outlook for AlUla

• Terrain Familiarity: The course winds through the UNESCO site of Hegra. Saudi riders train here year-round. They know exactly how the footing shifts from soft sand to hard volcanic rock—knowledge that European riders will lack.
• The "Spoiler" Role: Saudi Arabia’s goal is to disrupt the UAE vs. Bahrain narrative. If the two giants kill each other's chances with suicidal speed (a common occurrence), Saudi Arabia is positioned to take the Gold by riding a "fast but safe" average speed (approx 21-22 km/h).

Summary of the Host Nation

• Strengths: Unmatched course knowledge, massive home crowd support, and acclimatized horses.
• Weaknesses: Less depth of "super horses" compared to the UAE/Bahrain royal stables.
• Prediction: A strong contender for Team Bronze or Silver, with a distinct possibility of Individual Gold if the race becomes tactical.

Consolidated "AlUla 2026" Power Rankings (Dec 2025)

Rank	Nation	Status	Key Strength
1	UAE	The Favorite	Deepest stable of desert horses in the world.
2	Bahrain	The Challenger	Fastest individual rider (Sheikh Nasser).
3	France	The Defenders	Reigning World Champions; tactical discipline.
4	Saudi Arabia	The Hosts	Home field advantage; recent big wins in AlUla.
5	Spain	The Sprinters	European Champions; pure speed.