Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi will host the start of the new World Triathlon Series season with a sold-out second edition of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Some 2,200 competitors — both elite and amateur — will tackle what organisers are calling the Middle East’s most prestigious triathlon against the backdrop of the UAE capital’s Corniche.
The event is now officially sold out, it was announced on Wednesday. “The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi will launch this season in style. We look forward to welcoming the best triathletes in the world to Abu Dhabi as they compete for line honours on the road to Rio. Spectators are in for a treat and should ensure they are at the race village on March 5 to experience racing of the highest order,” said Gary Marescia, Race Director of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi.
Competitors from around the globe — spanning 67 nationalities and including 130 of the top elite men and women from 55 countries — are preparing to participate in the event.
“The exceptional quality of the entry list and participation numbers confirms that Abu Dhabi is the perfect starting event on the ITU World Triathlon Series calendar,” continued Marescia.
The triathlon will be headquartered at the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club on the Corniche Breakwater, where a spectator-friendly race village will feature a huge 1,000-seater grandstand overlooking the finish line, bike park, ‘Friends and Family’ area, refreshment kiosks, big screens to follow the action on course and a special Kids Zone.
The elite race will see a ‘swim start’ off the pontoons used by the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race, with both men and women of the ITU World Series rankings competing for podium places and those all-important Olympic qualification points.
Spectators are also encouraged to witness Abu Dhabi’s brightest young aspiring triathletes compete in the World Triathlon Abu Dhabi Junior Triathlon and Aquathlon, a fun event aimed at encouraging youngsters to get active.
Starting from Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club on Friday, there are three entry categories: Tiny Triathlete, a 50-metre swim and a 100 metre run (for five-eight year olds); Junior Aquathlon, featuring a 200-metre swim and 1.5km run (for nine-15 year olds); and Junior Triathlon Super Sprint, which consists of a 375-metre swim, 10km cycle and a 2.5km run (for those aged 11-17).
Organisers have stressed that from 3am until 3pm on Friday and Saturday, the Marina Theatre Road surrounding the venue will be closed.
Meanwhile, 18th Street Road will have two-way traffic on the Emirates Palace side and be closed on the Corniche side between 3am and 7pm on both days.
