The world’s top two triathletes will give the athletics world a first glimpse of what to expect at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Abu Dhabi next month.
Spaniard Javier Gomez and his compatriot rival, Mario Mola, the world No 1 and 2 in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) rankings, were confirmed by organisers on Tuesday to be participating in the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi.
Mola, 25, who won the race in Abu Dhabi last year, said he was eager to gear up for the Rio Games in the UAE capital.
Read more: 2016 Abu Dhabi Triathlon – Everything you need to know
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Abu Dhabi,” he said in a press release. “I had a great start here last year, which set me up for one of my best seasons.
“The course is surprisingly challenging, the crowds are great and Abu Dhabi is a beautiful location for an ITU World Triathlon Series race.
“It will be an ideal location to get the 2016 season started.”
The ITU World Triathlon Series begins the 2016 season in Abu Dhabi for the second successive year. It is the first year, though, Abu Dhabi is hosting an Olympic regulation length race.
“Abu Dhabi staged an outstanding event last year, and the elevation of the Sprint distance to an Olympic distance course for the 2016 edition is testament to the quality of the course, the level of organisation and the fact athletes love to compete here,” said ITU president Marisol Casado in the release.
“ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi will be a thrilling event as the world’s best athletes strive to achieve their dreasm and qualify for Rio.”
In the lead up to Rio 2016, 39 places remain up for grabs to qualify via the rankings on the ITU Olympic Qualification List. With a May 15 cutoff point, the Abu Dhabi race and subsequent ITU World Triathlon Series races in Gold Coast, Australia, Cape Town, South Africa and Yokohama, Japan will be crucial toward accumulating points for a ticket to Brazil.
The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi will feature eight of the top 10 men’s triathletes in a 65-strong elite field.
The Olympic distance race consists of a 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run. The Abu Dhabi race will take place on March 5 around Abu Dhabi Corniche, running along the causeway to Marina Mall and Theatre Road.
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