Abu Dhabi: Stars have started arriving in the capital for this Friday’s Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
Tyler Butterfield, who finished third last year, was among the first of the big names to arrive, while Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee and his brother, 2012 World Champion Jonny, are already in town with current Ironman World Champion Frederik van Lierde.
“It’s one of the world’s best triathlons,” said Butterfield. “It’s bringing people to Abu Dhabi and it’s showcasing the city. I’m tapering pretty hard at the moment with really light training, if any, giving me time to really take in the city. It’s a long, hard day on the long course of about six hours and 45 minutes-plus so I want to be well rested.”
Further adding to the event’s reputation as one of the world’s most glamorous triathlons, stars of the US hit TV show ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ will also race. Katherine Kelly Lang, who plays the lead role of Brooke Logan, will compete in the individual short course, while Don Diamont, who plays Bill Spencer Jr. , will compete in The Bold and the Beautiful Tri Team relay.
This will be the fifth edition of the event, with 2,000 competitors from 68 countries expected. Athletes in the longest event will start with a 3km swim, followed by a 200km bike ride up the corniche to Yas Marina Circuit and a 20km run around the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race track.
