Hauschildt, Naeth And Steffen To Race Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon has announced that three of the sport’s top females have signed on to race at the March 2 event. They will take on the long course race, made up a 3K swim, a 200K bike and a 20K run.

Switzerland’s Caroline Steffen, Canada’s Angela Naeth and Australia’s Melissa Hauschildt (nee Rollison) have all raced in Abu Dhabi in the past but have yet to earn the victory.

See quotes from all three, provided in a press release, below:

Caroline Steffen
“I now want to win it. The biggest factors in the race are heat, wind and the grueling distance on the bike but luckily I like all these influences so I hope this will put me at the top.”

Angela Naeth
“The biggest edge you can get in this race is just building the endurance needed to get away from the group, having the ability to push when needed on the bike will be key and that’s what I intend to do.”

“In the last race I was able to stretch out from the group on the bike.  I’ll be keen as ever to make that gap again and hold it. Swimming faster will also help!”

Melissa Hauschildt
“I think my biggest challenge last time was conserving energy on the bike. I came out a few minutes behind in the swim and rode hard to make up that lost time. When we caught the leaders I had already put out a lot of energy and wasn’t prepared for the surges. I also sat too far back as I was nervous about coming into the draft zone.”

“With experience of the course and a good season behind me, I’m in a competitive position to fight for the podium. I also went into last time with a rolled ankle so my physical fitness is in much better condition this time.”

Canadians Heather Wurtele, Rachel McBride and Tenille Hoogland have also signed on to compete.

Learn more about how the race, including how to register, at Abudhabitriathlon.com.

PHOTOS: 2012 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon