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Survival of the fittest

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A battalion of local and international triathletes is heading to Abu Dhabi for an intense two-day competition

Abu Dhabi will play host to triathletes from all over the world as the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series opens in the capital on 6th and 7th March.

A triathlon is a sporting competition made up of three endurance disciplines: swimming, cycling and running.

Competitors must complete all activities in the correct sequence and in the fastest time to win.

Historians believe that triathlons originated in France as early as the 1920s. In 1974, Americans Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan organised a sporting event in California requiring participants to swim, cycle and run.

The event inspired similar triathlons and today, it’s an Olympic sport, with smaller versions hosted around the world for beginners to their boost fitness.

The ITU is the world governing body for the Olympic sport of triathlon and all multisport disciplines.

GROWING APPEAL

Paul Venn, the race director for ITU World Triathlon Series, Abu Dhabi, says, “Triathlons have been growing significantly in the region over the past few years, especially in the UAE.

“Nearly 1,500 people have registered, which shows the popularity of the sport and this event in particular, with people flying from all over the world to participate.”

THE RACE

Amateur and aspiring triathletes in the UAE can participate by signing up as an individual or team.

There are three courses. The sprint includes a 0.5km swim, 20km cycle and 5km run; the Olympic distance comprises a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run and the maxi category features a 2km swim, 80km cycle and 20km run.

Elite triathletes – 65 men and 65 women from different countries – will compete in the Olympic category, which is the same distance set in the Olympic games.

The points they gain in this competition may boost their standing in the ITU World Series rankings and give them a chance to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

All athletes will start the swim on the breakwater near Heritage Village, with the elite athletes setting off from the Volvo Ocean Race yacht pontoons. The public can watch the action at the 1,000-seater grandstand at the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, where there will be a family and friends zone and refreshments.

After Abu Dhabi, the series will move to Auckland and Gold Coast, New Zealand; Cape Town, South Africa; Yokohama, Japan; London, UK; Hamburg, Germany; Stockholm, Sweden and Edmonton, Canada before culminating in Chicago, US on 15th September.

Details:
Corniche, breakwater. Entry fees AED 450-AED 800 depending on the category. Children’s aquathlon competitions available for children aged three-17 from AED 40.
Contact: [email protected]
www.abudhabi.triathlon.org

Ferdinand Godinez

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