Abu Dhabi’s endurance spectacular returns for a third year
The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon returns to the capital on Saturday (3rd March) and, with an enhanced course and more than 2,000 athletes signed-up, it promises to be bigger and better than ever this year.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ADTCA), the $250,000 event has attracted a record 1,000 entries from the GCC, almost 50 percent of the total spots available, highlighting the growing interest in the sport locally.
“Triathlon, as a sport, is growing rapidly in the region as people have started to recognise the importance of healthy living and exercise,” said Dr Werner Leitner, manager of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team. “The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon has really made impressive strides in bringing together these like-minded athletes, and giving the region an international platform to showcase its talent and perfect winter training credentials.”
The increased participation this year also has a lot to do with the race offering a selection of distances to accommodate athletes of all abilities. The 223km ‘long course’ boasts a 3km swim, a 200km cycle and 20km closing run, whilst newcomers can choose to tackle the ‘short’ course at half the length. The shortest ‘sprint’ distance can be run as a relay and is a comparatively easy 750m swim, 50km bike ride and 5km run.
To accommodate the extra numbers the course has been modified slightly with the swim being moved to the Abu Dhabi public beach, which will allow for a single race transition point. The cycle route now starts from the middle of the Corniche in the East Plaza, with the cyclists pedalling out over Saadiyat Island and around Yas Marina Circuit before returning to the Corniche.
Competitors then complete the circuit with the running leg along the breakwater, around the heritage flagpole and back to the finish line at Al Sahil Beach.
And it’s not just a big day for the athletes, there will be plenty to keep spectators happy as well. The special entertainment area around the shops and cafés on the Corniche at Al Sahil Beach (end of Khaleej Al Arabi/30th Street) is the perfect place to relax whilst taking in the best of the action. The 6.40am start may be a little early for all but the most dedicated fans, but with staggered waves continuing until 9.15am and the first professional athletes expected to complete the long course at around 1.30pm, everything’s in place for a great day of sporting fun. We’re going to be there, are you?
What the pros think
We caught up with last year’s winner Frederik Van Lierde and female runner-up Caroline Steffen to find out how they’ve been preparing, what they’re looking forward to and why the Abu Dhabi Triathlon is so special.
What makes the Abu Dhabi Triathlon such a great event to start the season?
FL: Firstly, it is the picturesque backdrop, the atmosphere and the weather conditions in Abu Dhabi. It’s unique; no race in the world is like the Abu Dhabi race. Secondly, it’s a long-distance race with all the best triathletes in the world in the beginning of the season. The shorter run section makes it easier to recover, so it’s just ideal to kick off the new season!
What was the highlight of last year’s race for you?
FL: Crossing the finish line in first position, indescribable! Beating all the best triathletes in the world in a wonderful event and scenery was magic for me!
CS: It was a huge day in the office last year. I was happy with the race because I know I did my best although I was maybe at 70 percent of my fitness. It was a great performance with some incredibly tough conditions on the bike and run course. I’m just saying – wind, sandstorm and heat. But I love it – I love my job, yes I do.
How have you been preparing for this year’s race?
FL: Similar to last year’s preparation spending a lot of time on training camp. I did four training camps each of two weeks. In between I was one or two weeks at home to recover. So that’s about a 12 week preparation for the Abu Dhabi triathlon.
CS: After a break, I started training again back in December, it gave me a one month head start in comparison to last year.
How do you rate your chances this year?
FL: Difficult to say; last year was different because nobody expected me to win this race. Now I need to defend my title! But my approach stays the same, I’m focusing on my own preparation and I’ll do the same on race day.
CS: We’ll see. I feel pretty good at the moment and after racing in the last two years, I guess I can profit from my knowledge of the conditions and course.
What is your favourite part of the triathlon and why?
FL: In Abu Dhabi it’s the bike part for sure – it’s just perfect for triathlon! Flat with a couple of bridges, big wide roads and windy. Add the two loops on the Yas Marina F1 circuit and those 200 kilometres just fly by.
Does racing against such a picturesque backdrop inspire you or do you block most of it out?
FL: Before the race it inspires me. I was twice in Abu Dhabi and every time I arrive I feel like entering a different world, where I feel really good! During the race I’m concentrating and blocking most of it out but the F1 circuit gives me goose bumps every time I’m riding on it, special!
What’s the first thing you will do after the race?
FL: It will depend of my result of course! Celebrating if I can win again but I think for everybody it’s very important to rehydrate as fast as possible afterwards. We race in hot and dry conditions, very important for recovery to take enough fluids during and after the race.
CS: I’m just going to eat a pizza and enjoy the atmosphere.
Jon Muller
