The pinnacle of world triathlon, the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, will start next year’s World Triathlon Series and entries are now open to the public via www.AbuDhabi.Triathlon.org.
This time the highly anticipated event will take place at the emirate’s signature sporting venue, Yas Island, on March 3 and 4, 2017 where professionals, serious amateurs and first timers will all compete on the same course as World Champions and Olympic medallists — many of whom competed in Rio.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) is again supporting the event as the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi host partner. ADSC’s general secretary, Aref Hamad Al Awani, said: “We are privileged to be the only Middle East city to host the World Triathlon Series. This is an event which ticks all the right boxes for us — proving our capability as a world-class sporting venue, bringing the elite here to inspire our residents, and delivering an event which can engage the wider Abu Dhabi, UAE and regional community.”
The World Triathlon Series’ dramatic wrap up in Mexico last month culminated in the legendary Spaniard and two-time Abu Dhabi Champion, Mario Mola, taking home his first World Series title. Mola was followed by GB’s Jonathan Brownlee who also competed in the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi in 2015.
The past two years has seen the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi host the sport’s biggest stars, including four out of the six Rio medallists — 2015 ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi Champion, Gwen Jorgensen (USA); Nicola Spirig-Hug (Switzerland), Jonathan Brownlee (Great Britain) and Henri Schoeman (South Africa).
“We watched them race in Rio and now triathlon’s top elite stars will be back in the emirate to vie for one of the world’s most exciting and sought-after triathlon titles. Together with triathlon’s greatest athletes we hope to develop a legacy that inspires UAE’s future stars of the sport,” added Al Awani.
The ITU World Triathlon Series made its debut in Abu Dhabi in 2015 and the third edition of the season opener is set to be even bigger and better with a variety of course options to suit a range of abilities. The race features the following course options: Sprint (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run), which is the perfect starting point for beginners, Olympic (1500m swim, 40km cycle, 10km run) and Maxi (1500m swim, 80km cycle, 20km run). All course options can also be completed as a team relay allowing each participant to complete the discipline they are most comfortable with. The relay format makes the triathlon very manageable for first-timers, giving them a great introduction to the sport and the chance to enjoy participating with family and friends.
The 2017 event also sees the return of the Junior Triathlon — a fun event aimed at encouraging youngsters to get active. There are four entry categories for the 2017 edition, open for children aged 5 to 15 years, which include: the ‘Mini 1km’ — a 1km run for 5 — 8 year olds; the ‘Kids Duathlon’ — a 3km cycle and a 500m run for 7 — 9 year olds and 10 — 11 year olds; the ‘Junior Duathlon’ — a 6km cycle and 1km run for 12 — 13 year olds, and a 6km cycle and a 1.5km run for 14 — 15 year olds; the ‘Junior Triathlon Super Sprint’ which consists of a 400m swim, 10km cycle and a 2.5km run for 12 — 13 years and 14 — 15 years. Early bird prices start at AED 54 with limited spots up for grabs until 3 November.
“The two-day triathlon event is not only aimed at elites and serious triathletes — it is a family-friendly affair that has something to offer to all members of the family including little ones and aspiring youngsters. Let World Champions and Olympic medallists inspire your children; sign them up for a fun challenge today and take advantage of the early bird prices,” commented Marescia.
Online registrations for the 2017 ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi are now open to the public via the race website, www.AbuDhabi.Triathlon.org.
