Jeddah 8 July 2004- As a recognized achievement in the world of Paramotoring presented to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, Captain Ahmed Al-Zahrani, one of Red Bull Athletes in Saudi Arabia, the world's leading Austrian energy drink, arrived to Jeddah coming from Riyadh in a trip that took him over a number of Saudi cities to break the World Record in Paramotoring.

The starting point of this trip took place at runway of the Saudi Aviation Club in Riyadh yesterday, Sunday 4 July at 18:00 after the arrival of the necessary equipment needed for the trip and exercises as well as weather monitoring and forecast.

The four-day trip ended on July 7, where Captain Al-Zahrani landed near to Al Nawrass roundabout on Jeddah Corniche flying 1069 Kms with only 4 stops.

Commenting on this Captain Al-Zahrani said "This is a pay off for all the ones who support sports in the Kingdom crowned by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, may God grant him a longer life, and I thank namely HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, and HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Al Faisal and Captain Ahmad Al Johani, General Manager of the Saudi Aviation Club and Colonel Pilot Mohammed Al Shahrani, Saqer Al Jazirah Air Museum Manager, who honored me with his presence"

"This was no doubt an exhausting trip, but the will of triumph kept coming to my mind all the way, and this is the least of what I can do and give back for my country that gives so much for young athletes who benefit from the continuous support of the government. It's a dream that came true in the skies of my own home land" added Al Zahrani.

Al Zahrani landed in Al Mouzahimiyah in the evening of the 1st day crossing 185 Kms where he stayed over the night to take off once again at Four in the morning the second day to arrive to his second stop at Arrouwaydah crossing 175 Kms. Al Zahrani took off once again in the afternoon to reach Zolm area in the evening after crossing 150 Kms. At Four in the morning on Tuesday 46th, Al Zahrani took off from Zolm towards Al Mouyah flying 200 Kms, and then to Taif for another 191 Kms where he will spend the night and take off to Jeddah, his final destination crossing 166 Kms.

Strong winds and tough and hot weather accompanied Al Zahrani all the way, and this caused a delay in his 1st take off from Riyadh and a delay in his landing in Zolm. In addition to the tough nature factors, a team of 9 people accompanied Al Zahrani for technical support and a TV crew.

Al Zahrani flew at speed ranging between 30 to 70 km per hour due to the climate conditions and air direction.  During this trip Captain Al-Zahrani will fly at latitude 500 (147 meters) to 5000 ft (1470 meters) according the law of the Civil Aviation in the Kingdom.

It is noted that Capt Danni achieved the previous world record in Canada after flying almost 1000 Kms in 6 days and 9 stops.

Capt Ahmad Al Zahrani rushed in the world of Paramotoring long time ago, but became a well know Athlete only in the year 2000. Captain Al Zahrani was ranked number six out of 152 participants in Paramotoring Championship in Birmingham - England in 2003. He was also ranked number two in Europe championship held in Hungary back in 2002 and participated in many shows and festivals around the world.

It should be noted that the Saudi Aviation Club will inaugurate the 1st training school very soon especially with the increasing numbers of Para motorists in Saudi whom will obtain necessary licenses from the club and under the supervision of dedicated team from the "Federation Internationale Aeronautique- FIA" who supervise the game and look after the rules and regulations of the Paramotoring around the world. It is estimated that 30 Saudis practice Paramotoring in Saudi Arabia.

-Ends-

For more information please contact:
Bassem El Zein,
Red Bull Communications Manager Saudi Arabia & Yemen
Tel: 00966 2 6988340
Fax: 00966 2 2561612
Email: bassem.elzein@redbull.com.sa

© Press Release 2004