Abu Dhabi triathlon hopes to double in size for 2011
Posted by By Gary Roethenbaugh at 7 July, at 00 : 00 AM Print
The Abu Dhabi International triathlon returns for its second edition on 12 March 2011. According to local media site Gulf News, the event organisers are expecting to double the number of participants and are adding a one-third sized sprint course.
It is hoped the shorter course will attract newcomers to the sport. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which is organising the event, is hoping to attract more than 1,500 international athletes to the event in 2011.
This year a total of 800 triathletes from 30 countries competed in the inaugural Abu Dhabi International triathlon.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority said it hoped to see 75 international elites take part in the US$250,000 (Dh918,000) 223K headline event. This comprises a 3K swim, 200K cycle and 20K run through Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit and many of the city’s other landmarks.
The second, half-length 111.5K option, (1.5K swim, 100K cycle and 10K run), was also still on the cards for teams or individuals in 2011.
The third addition to the 2011 line up is the new sprint course, with its 750m swim, 50K bike and 5K run, completed as part of a team or alone. As with the other two format distances, there is still a stronger emphasis on bike distance rather than run distance. The sprint itself is intended to make the sport more accessible to entry-level competitors and increase local uptake in the discipline.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Deputy Director General Ahmad Hussain said, "The addition of a shorter, more accessible course for next year opens up the sport to a far greater audience and allows those wanting to get into triathlon but who may have felt overwhelmed by the physical enormity of the longer distances, an opportunity to be part of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and compete with the elite."
Hussain also said the authority wanted to enhance television coverage, finish-line family activities and community engagement with the event.
"We want Abu Dhabi to be a destination that triathletes train and compete in as well as enjoy with family and friends," he added.
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