Record-Breaking 1,855 Athletes to Contest Largest Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

2 March 2012, 11:57AM
Femme

A record 1,855 athletes from 62 countries, including the strongest ever line-up of elite professionals, will take their starting orders this Saturday in the United Arab Emirates ’capital for the third annual US$250,000 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, one of the fastest growing events-of-its-kind worldwide.

With a 22 percent field increase on 2011, this year’s event – which is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority – has again raised the bar, living up to its international billing with athletes representing six continents taking to the Corniche start line.

The event - which was dubbed the ‘world’s most glamorous triathlon’ by top triathlon website, www.TriRadar.com after the inaugural 2010 race – has also swelled its global appeal, with first time representation from Argentina, Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Iceland, India, Japan, Lebanon, Macao, Mauritius, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Seychelles, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe.

And with 50 of the world’s best professionals - who have notched up a combined total of 16 World Championship titles, 47 European titles, 102 national titles and 76 Ironman wins, plus more than 500 podium places – lined-up for a shot at one of the sport’s richest purses, this weekend’s flagship 223kms ‘pure power’ race is likely to be the most hotly contested to date.

“To continue seeing strong growth across all platforms for this event is encouraging, both for the future of the sport in the Middle East and for our own efforts in establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading winter training destination,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

“With more than 900 athletes flying into the emirate specifically for the event, it is also a great opportunity to demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning credentials as a performance athletics hub, which we hope will continue to spur interest in both this event and the destination as a whole.” 

The biggest increases in 2012 sign up has been for the recently introduced sprint and relay formats, which underlines the sport’s growing popularity with first-timers looking to break into the sport. Sign-up for the relay short course – a 1.5km swim, a 100km cycle and a 10 km run combo – has grown by 134 percent over 2011, whilst those taking on the feeder relay sprint distance - 750m swim, a 50km bike and 5km run – has increased by 107 percent.

In addition, GCC numbers have also swelled with 979 athletes signed up, an increase of 27 percent over 2011, with the biggest growth coming from the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.

And according to Al Sheikh, this rise is down to the sport’s green shoots development over the last few years.

“The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon has definitely helped spur grass-roots uptake of the sport here in the region, and continues to lay strong foundations for its future. This is clearly evidenced by the sport’s governing body recently announcing that triathlon and mixed relay would be included in the 2015 Arab Games in Lebanon. This undoubtedly will lead to a whole new generation becoming involved with the sport in the Middle East,” added Al Sheikh.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has also put out a rallying call to all fans to come down and cheer on their fellow countrymen and women. A huge free-to-the-public activation programme is running on the Corniche beach finish line.

For those wanting to get involved with the race, fans can chill out in front of the giant screen or try their hand at winning great prizes on the ‘beat the elite’ bike challenge with GIANT, take home POLAR Watches or free-night stays at the event’s official hotel, the Khalidiyaa Palace Rayhaan.

In addition, the finish line zone will be packed with great entertainment from dancers, fire breathers, juggler, stilt walkers and traditional Ayala dancers.

And with one of the best fields expected in Abu Dhabi outside of the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii – the sport’s pinnacle competition – there are plenty of favourites for fans to support.

One man expected to pull in a following is Abu Dhabi debutant Chris Lieto, the American known as the ‘fastest man on a bike,’ who has 80 triathlons and 15 victories under his belt, including three Ironman wins and three top 10 Championship finishes, including a second place in 2009.

Also looking to defend his crown is returning champion Belgium’s Frederik Van Lierdre. He will face strong competition from double Abu Dhabi podium finisher Dirk Bockel of Germany, five times World Cup winner Rasmus Henning of Denmark, first year champion Eneko Llandos of Spain, Luke Bell, Leon Griffin and Clayton Fettell of Australia, Andrew Starykowicz of the USA, Fraser Cartmell of Scotland, James Cunnama of South Africa and local hero and Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team captain Faris Al-Sultan.

The women’s race is also packed with first-class competitors. Caroline Steffen, ‘the Swiss Miss’ is returning to Abu Dhabi for the third time – hoping to better her second place finish last year. She faces tough competition from British trio, Jodie Swallow, Emma-Kate Lidbury and Rachel Joyce, Canadian Angela Neath, and Australians Leanda Cave, Melissa Rollison and Nikki Butterfield.

The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon begins at 6.30am on the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach. The first male elites are expected to cross the finish line at 1.30pm.

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