Abu Dhabi International Triathlon Open For Registration

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon Odds: The Men

Catching Up With Athletes From The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

See the press release for the 2011 event below:

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is pleased to announce the 2011 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is officially open for registration today, July 1st 2010. The event, which has been described in many quarters as ‘an instant classic’, will return to the United Arab Emirates’ capital city on March 12th 2011.

In 2010 more than 800 athletes from 30 countries, including 75 elites, took part in Abu Dhabi’s inaugural triathlon with Spain’s Eneko Llanos and the UK’s Julie Dibens collecting the bumper first prize. The nation’s latest world-class sporting initiative was such a success last year, organisers offered keen entrants the chance to pre-register to avoid the disappointment of missing out on a starting spot.

Current champion Dibens encourages athletes of all levels to sign up for the ADIT. She said: “Racing in Abu Dhabi, is not only a great excuse to escape the winter, to somewhere hot and exotic, but it’s also a great way to stay motivated throughout the winter months. Whether you are looking to race the long distance, or are a novice looking to race for the first time, Abu Dhabi puts on a great showcase for the sport of triathlon. This could be a great introduction to the sport, or a great excuse to pound out the miles and hit early season races in great shape.”

Male winner Spain’s Eneko Llanos added: “ADIT is a first class experience, if you are looking to the next step in triathlon racing come to Abu Dhabi and compete in the most spectacular event in the world. Come and defy yourself and accept the challenge.”

The ADIT is now firmly established on the global triathlon calendar thanks to its unique race distances, a course designed to show the city’s finest sites, the calibre of athlete willing to compete and its individual approach to prize money. The global television and media coverage the event received was another huge contributor to its success as over 75 journalist made the trip to the UAE capital city.

Competitors will again have the option of tackling the long and short distance courses; however, in an attempt to open up the sport to UAE locals and other budding triathlon enthusiasts, a sprint distance has been added to the day’s proceedings.

Distances as follows;

– Long distance (3km Swim, 200km Bike, 20km Run)

– Short distance (1.5km Swim, 100 km Bike, 10km Run)

– ‘Abu Dhabi’ Sprint distance (750m Swim, 50km Bike, 5km Run)

– Team relay (Same as Short Distance)

Robert McNa an age group athlete from Great Britain who competed in the short distance event in 2010, said:: For international version of release: The ADIT long course event offers you the chance to test your winter training miles in a stunning location. If you’re planning on some Ironman races in 2011 this is a perfect start to the season to get a break from the cold UK weather.

ADIT’s opening swim leg takes place in the lagoon of the iconic Emirates Palace, one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.

The cycling section will take athletes past some of the destination’s most iconic sights including Emirates Palace and along Abu Dhabi’s signature Corniche – all under the safety of completely closed roads.

The route will then go east of the city over Saadiyat Island, the 27 square kilometre natural island which is 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city, and on to the destination’s emerging entertainment hub of Yas Island – home to the highly successful 2009 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – where triathletes will compete on the same circuit as many of the world’s top race drivers.

1,500 places are available for the ADIT, charged at US$150 for the long-distance and US$96 for the shorter event prior to December 1st 2010. Prices after December 1st will increase to US$180 and US$123 for the long and short distances respectively. The team relay entrance fee stands at US$272.

Athletes interested in entering this unique race should visit the ADIT website, Abudhabitriathlon.com, and then after clicking on the ENTER NOW link, simply follow the instructions.