Abu Dhabi: The elite women’s long course at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is always hugely competitive and this year is no exception.
With current champion Australian Melissa Hauschildt and 2013 runner-up Caroline Steffen signed up to compete, as well as a whole host of international talent, spectators are in for a thrilling race on March 15.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s top female triathletes, Hauschildt is the one to watch this year following her outstanding performances last season. Despite being still relatively new to the long-distance discipline, 2013 saw her secure an impressive 11 event wins, smashing course records at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas, Ironman 70.3 Mandurah, the Koh Samui International Triathlon and the Australian Long Course Champs.
“This will be my third time racing in Abu Dhabi and I’m really excited to be heading back there again this year,” she said. “It’s an amazingly unique race that attracts the best of the best. Being defending champ I know I’ll have a target on my back and with a super strong field again it’s going to be a tough race, but I’ll be ready.”
Hoping to knock Hauschildt off the top of the podium is Switzerland’s Steffen, who feels she has unfinished business in the event.
The two-time ITU long distance world champion has secured podium places at the event on four occasions and her knowledge of the course should hold her in good stead for the race, which comprises a 3-kilometre swim, 200km bike ride and 20km run.
“This is the fifth time in a row I’m making my way to Abu Dhabi to race one of the toughest races on the triathlon circuit,” she said. “After several podium places I’m still missing out on gold which I hope to secure in this year’s Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. The heat and tough course certainly makes it a challenging triathlon but they’re also the reasons why I love to compete here. I’m looking forward to race against one of the strongest female professional fields ever.”
The high calibre of international elite triathletes taking part in this year’s event includes Canadian Heather Wurtele and the Netherlands’ Yvonne van Vlerken, who will both compete in the women’s long-course discipline.
Securing fourth position in last year’s race and with impressive 2013 wins under her belt at Ironman Coeur d’Alene, which saw her break a course record, Ironman 70.3 Panama Latin American Pro Championships, Rev3 Quassy and Ironman 70.3 Calgary, Wurtele will be another to watch.
The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon offers three course distances: the 223km long course (3km swim, 200km cycle and 20km run), the half-length short course (1.5km swim, 100km cycle and a 10km run) and the sprint course (750m swim, 50km bike and 5km run). Both the short and the sprint can be run as a team relay.
