Abu Dhabi International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, the largest triathlon in the Middle East, have announced that the ITU season opener will return to Yas Island. This event which made its first appearance at the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi 2017 and, will once again host triathletes from across the globe on March 2-3, 2018.
A mixture of elite, amateur (age-grouper) and junior triathletes will race across the picturesque island, taking in some of the most spectacular landmarks in the UAE.
The age-grouper course will see triathletes swim in the waters of Yas Marina, before taking to the tracks of Yas Marina Circuit, the host of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand. The bike course then takes competitors onto the streets of Yas Island, cycling past the likes of Yas Links Golf Course, voted the ‘best golf course in the Middle East’; Ferrari World, the home of the world’s fastest rollercoaster; and Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi’s largest retail experience. For the final showpiece, competitors will cross the finish line on the famous ITU blue carpet on Yas Marina Circuit’s helipad.
This race will be broadcast to a global TV audience of over 18 million viewers and will see 120 of the world’s best triathletes dive into a 750 swim in Yas Marina, before taking on a fast and furious 20km bike and 5km run, contained within the chicanes of Yas Marina Circuit.
Abu Dhabi has become the leading regional hub for triathlon, with over 4,000 triathletes, including 120 of the world’s best elites and 500 juniors expected to take to take part in the 2018 event.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), host partner for the fourth consecutive year, is continuing to help build the profile of the sport, with the vision of making ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi one of the top five cities on the ITU calendar by participation by 2019 and a host of the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final.
“The decision to return to Yas Island for a second year was a very easy one.” said Aref Al Awani, General Secretary, ADSC. “The course is truly one of the most unique on the ITU World Triathlon Series calendar and passes some of the most stunning architecture and landmarks in the Middle East. Last year’s event was a marvellous occasion, enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. We look forward to hosting another successful event in 2018,” he added.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO, Miral, Yas Island’s destination management company said; “We are delighted to continue our relationship with the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi by hosting the 2018 and 2019 events on Yas Island, which is increasingly recognised as a global destination for entertainment, leisure and first-class sporting events.”
The ITU World triathlon Abu Dhabi 2018 will also see the return of the Junior Triathlon — a fun event aimed at encouraging youngsters to get active — which hosts race categories for children aged 5 — 15 years old.
