The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi presented by Daman has become the latest sports event to fall victim to the coronavirus, with next month’s edition postponed.
The World Series event was to take place on Yas Island from March 5-7, but will now have to be rescheduled, it was confirmed on Saturday. The organisers have highlighted a later date in March or April.
The decision was taken by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) in consultation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The Abu Dhabi Paratriathlon World Cup and Abu Dhabi Mixed Relay event have also been postponed as a precaution.
“Although the Abu Dhabi authorities are working on measures so that the safety of all the athletes, coaches and officials participating in the event is the main concern, due to the new World Health Organisation recommendations and the spread of the virus, ITU and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council have jointly agreed to postpone the event,” read a statement on the ITU's official website.
“Travel restrictions and quarantines imposed by some countries and airlines for individuals and groups travelling from or to areas affected by the outbreak make it impossible to go ahead with the event on the planned dates, but all stakeholders are working tirelessly against the clock to find a new date to host the event."
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Events affected by outbreak
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Featuring approximately 300 of the world’s best triathletes, more than 2,500 age-group athletes were also set to compete in the capital across the 19 difference race categories – making it the largest triathlon in the Middle East.
Now in its sixth year, the Abu Dhabi leg has become the traditional season-opener to the ITU’s World Triathlon Series, with stops in Bermuda, Yokohama, Leeds, Montreal, Hamburg and Edmonton. Abu Dhabi is scheduled to host the ITU Grand Final in 2022.
“The whole World Triathlon family, including our athletes, coaches, officials, staff and volunteers, consider the WTS Abu Dhabi one of the most outstanding events in the calendar and we all want to continue to work together to provide an excellent event for all athletes to shine and for Abu Dhabi to show their excellence in organising sport events,” the statement said.
The news comes one day after the final two stages of cycling’s UAE Tour were called off following reports two staff members had tested positive for coronavirus.
