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.