Below, a look at the ins and outs for the 2016 Abu Dhabi Triathlon, which will launch the ITU World Triathlon Series ahead of the Rio Olympics:
What
This year’s Abu Dhabi Triathlon will be will be the first at an Olympic distance, and its place as the first leg of the ITU World Triathlon Series makes it an important marker in the quest for 2016 Olympics qualification. The competition in the UAE capital will be the first major glimpse in 2016 of the globe’s top triathletes fighting for points and one of the top 39 places on the ITU Olympic Qualification List, which will determine the bulk of Olympic qualifiers.
The Olympic-distance course features a 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run.
Says ITU president and IOC member Marisol Casado: “Abu Dhabi will be one of the pivotal races this series for many reasons.
“We are expecting a particularly strong Abu Dhabi line-up this year as many Rio 2016 contenders use the race as a key stage in their Olympic preparations, while others aim to make the Olympic qualifying mark for their national squads in the emirate.
“The sooner triathletes can qualify for the Olympics the better, so many will be looking forward to Abu Dhabi as their best chance to qualify earlier in the season.”
When and Where
The 2016 Abu Dhabi Triathlon will take place on March 5 running along Abu Dhabi Corniche, the causeway to Marina Mall and Theatre Road.
You can see a map of the Elite Course at the bottom of this page.
Who
Organisers have yet to release an entry list but top triathletes such as Javier Gomez Noya, Vincent Luis, Richard Murray and Gwen Jorgensen, who all qualified for Rio 2016 at last year's special World Olympic Qualification Event in Brazil, competed here last year. Mario Mola was the 2015 Abu Dhabi winner, and right now he is the highest-ranked triathlete on the ITU Olympic Qualification List (second) yet to book an official place in Rio.
The headline Brownlee brothers, Alistair and Jonathan, and top names in the women’s field like Katie Zaferes and Flora Duffy, who finished second and third behind Jorgensen last year, came to Abu Dhabi too.
In all last year’s line-up included all of the world’s top ten men’s competitors and eight of the top ten women.
“This is the highest calibre triathlon staged in the region where Olympic and world champions, and the globe’s toughest competitors race against each other right here in Abu Dhabi,” said Ahmed Abdullah Al Qubaisi, ADSC director of marketing and communications.
The race could also feature you, if you are up for it. There are adult sprint, Olympic and maxi races at 12-and-over, 16-and-over and 18-and-over levels. Adjusted kids races are available in age 5-6, 7-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-15 groups. Here, you can find a full list of what is on offer and enter. Courses can be ran with friends and family as a team relay. In all race organisers Abu Dhabi Sports Council expect over 2,000 participants.
“This year we have a limited number of spots for the public so I would encourage people to sign-up before the event sells out,” said race director Gary Marescia.
What else
A spectator village will be organised at the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club on the Breakwater, where similar arrangements have been made previously for events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and ISAF Sailing World Cup.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
