Brownlees Cross Abu Dhabi Short Course Finish Line Together
The Brownlee brothers earned the men's victory together, while Germany's Svenja Bazlen was on top for the women at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon short-course race.
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Great Britain’s Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee earned the men’s victory together, while Germany’s Svenja Bazlen was on top for the women at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon short-course race. This was the first year the event offered a pro prize purse ($60,000) for the shorter event.
Men’s Race
Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee defended his short-course Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, but this time he shared the victory with his younger brother Jonathan. The pair competed side-by-side throughout the swim, bike and run, posting similar race splits. The duo completed the 1.5km swim in 17:17, the 100km (non-drafting) bike in 2:15:38 and the 10km run in 35:31 for a total time of 3:12:21.
“Jonny and I both got a good lead out of the swim and we just concentrated and stayed focused on biking as hard as we could,” Alistair said of the race. “We managed to keep going strong on the Yas Marina Circuit, gaining a strong lead before the run leg which really helped us break away and take the lead.”
“Everything in Abu Dhabi is big and impressive and you can say the same about this event,” Jonathan said after the win. “I’ve done the same events for 4-5 years now and so it’s really cool to go somewhere so completely different. Where else can you ride on a F1 circuit and bike in the pits and chicanes? The Yas Marina Circuit was a highlight and, due to the smooth tarmac, allowed me to get up to 65km/h on my bike which I really enjoyed.”
Finishing in third was fellow ITU athlete Ruedi Wild (SUI) at 3:17:00.
Women’s Race
Svenja Bazlen (GER) earned the victory at 3:34:51, thanks to a 19:01 swim, a 2:31:15 bike and a 40:08 run. Australia’s Annabel Luxford cruised in for second at 3:46:02, with fellow Australian Lisa Marnagon beating out France’s Jessica Harrison for third.
“I’m feeling pretty good and really happy with the result,” Bazlen said. “Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is one of the most famous and prestigious triathlons in the tri series and one that I’ve always wanted to do. It’s such a fantastic feeling to win here.”
2014 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon Short Course
March 15, 2014 – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
1.5km swim, 100km bike, 10km run
Men
1. Alistair Brownlee (GBR) 3:12:21
2. Jonny Brownlee (GBR) 3:12:21
3. Ruedi Wild (SUI) 3:17:00
4. Bart Aernouts (BEL) 3:17:12
5. Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) 3:17:54
Women
1. Svenja Bazlen (GER) 3:34:51
2. Annabel Luxford (AUS) 3:46:02
3. Lisa Marangon (AUS) 3:46:49
4. Jessica Harrison (FRA) 3:54:43