Abu Dhabi
In what was billed as warm-up for next year’s TriYAS event, the gruelling Nations Tri triathlon event in Washington D.C saw five Abu Dhabi athletes completing the course in outstanding times across the board.
The Washington event is twinned with Yas Marina Circuit’s own triathlon, and saw the five Abu Dhabi athletes take on a 1,500-metre swim in the Potomac River, a 40-kilometre cycle and a 10-kilometre run through the city.
The competition in the American capital was great preparation for the team from Abu Dhabi, as they look ahead to February’s TriYAS event.
Marc Harrison, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, who completed the race in 1 hour, 57 minutes and 11 seconds, said: “Participation in events such as the Nation’s Triathlon or the upcoming TriYAS is just one way to engage in healthy living.” He added: “Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is committed to promoting healthy living amongst its caregivers and within the Abu Dhabi community, through initiatives such as the TrainYas and GoYAS bike sponsorship programme.
Joining Harrison on the trip were the father and son team of Peter and Paul Muller, as well as Danny Hughes, the president of Abu Dhabi Tri Club and Henk de Jager. All are seasoned competitors placed strongly. Paul, finished in 1 hour, 44 mins and 48 secs, crossing the line first in his age group (18-24) and 25th place overall. His father, Peter, took 2 hours, 21 minutes and 28 seconds, coming 94th in his age group (50-54) and 1,167th overall. Hughes completed in 1 hr, 56 mins and 58 secs, finishing 38th in his age group (35-39) and 1,316th overall. De Jager took 1 hr, 52 mins and 42 secs, finishing 5th in his age group (45-49) and 106th overall.
Peter said: "The race was fantastic and well organised. It was a wonderful experience to race around the icons of the US Capital." Son Paul added: "It was great to participate in an overseas event and still feel at home with Etihad's support and presence on the day. I felt proud to represent Abu Dhabi and winning my age group was a fantastic experience."
Hughes, the President of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Club said: "We felt proud to represent the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Club and our home city. With three top five age group finishers and Paul Mueller's win, we were also pleased to take third place in the triathlon club challenge. We hope to build on this performance next year."
De Jager, who came fifth in his age group, added: "Nations Tri was particularly well-organised and the perfect event for a partnership with TriYAS. The quality of the event, timing and unique location complements the TriYAS experience."
