XCATS on the move as first international race announced
by Karien Jonckheere on 15 Jul 2013
(From left) WPPA Vice President Dr Khalid Al Zahed, Mayor of Stresa Mr Canio Di Milia and General Secretary of the WPPA Sid Bensalah at a press conference in Italy to announce Stresa as hosts of the first ever international XCAT World Series race next month. Karien Jonckheere
The stunning location of Stresa will be the next stop on the XCAT world series after event organisers, the world professional powerboating association (WPPA) announced a partnership with the Italian town.
This exciting development will see XCAT racing taking place outside of the UAE for the first time in Series history. The Stresa race will take place from August 30 to September 1st on Italy’s second largest lake, Lago Maggiore.
Not only is this a significant move as the XCAT World Series goes international, but it also marks an important link between Italy and the UAE.
'Stresa is just around 65km from Milan, host of the 2015 World Expo. And with Dubai bidding to host the 2020 edition of the Expo, we feel this is a strategic partnership, not only in terms the Expo but also of establishing a platform for business opportunities,' said WPPA President Dr Saif Al Ketbi.
'The Italian Powerboating Federation is 100 per cent on board and backing the event while the town of Stresa is particularly honoured to host an XCAT World Series event on their shores,' added WPPA Vice President Dr Khalid Al Zahed.
The hosting agreement which was signed by Stresa mayor Mr Canio Di Milia and Al Zahed, will see XCAT action taking place at the venue for the next three years, with the option to extend the agreement further.
'It is fantastic to see the Series growing from being purely UAE-based in the past. We really believe it will take off in a big way as we reach into the European and global market,' said Al Zahed.
And with property developers Emaar recently coming on board as a main sponsor, the Series is really going from strength to strength. Watch out for more exciting developments to come.'
Three rounds of the 2013 UIM XCAT World Series have already taken place, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai-based Fazza still leads the series standings with 830 points with Mouawad 50 second on 671 and the Victory team third on XCAT Racing website
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