Faris Al-Sultan, captain of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team, started his preparations for the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Triathlon in style as he romped to victory in the inaugural Ironman Sri Lanka.

The 2005 Ironman World Champion and 2011 Ironman European Champion, Al-Sultan finished the 70.3 mile course in an impressive 3:51:39, nearly eight minutes ahead of his nearest competitor, Bryan Rhodes.

The Sri Lankan event consisted of a 1.2 mile swim in the Indian Ocean off Gall Face green, followed by a three-lap 56 mile bike ride and finished with a 13.1 mile run, four loops along the promenade of the Galle Face Green towards the Navy lighthouse.

Al-Sultan is now on his way back to the capital for an official team training camp, where final preparations will begin for the big event on 3rd March.