Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
The World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi, powered by TAQA, has curated one of the most formidable fields ever seen in the capital when action kicks off at the Yas Marina Circuit on Friday and Saturday.
The capital is set to witness a spectacular showcase of athleticism, with an unparalleled line-up of elite athletes vying for qualifying points for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
It brings together a powerhouse of talent that includes the complete 2020 men's Olympic podium - Kristian Blummenfelt (Norway), Alex Yee (Great Britain), and Hayden Wilde (New Zealand). The intensity amplifies with the presence of the 2022 and 2023 world champions, Leo Bergere and Dorian Coninx, both representing France, who will also be aiming for a podium spot.
In total, 55 of the world's best elite male athletes will be racing, representing 22 different nations.
Defending Abu Dhabi champion and Olympic silver medallist, Alex Yee said: "I am really looking forward to start my season in Abu Dhabi. I was pleased with how I raced last year after a good camp on the Gold Coast and I'm hoping for the same having been in Australia for the last five weeks. It will be good to see where my fitness is, as I build to Paris in July and Abu Dhabi will play a big part in helping prepare myself for it!"
The women's elite field is equally impressive, led by defending Abu Dhabi champion and reigning world champion Beth Potter (Great Britain).
Joining her are Olympic superstars Gwen Jorgensen from the USA, the 2016 Olympic champion making a long-anticipated return to the sport following her 2016 Olympic victory, and 2020 silver medallist Georgia Taylor-Brown from Great Britain.
Ironman 70.3 world champion Taylor Knibb (USA) will also be a formidable athlete in the 55-strong field. This star-studded cast, representing 25 countries, promises a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and sheer determination.
"2023 was an incredible season for me – starting with my first-ever Series' win in Abu Dhabi and ending as world champion! It's the kind of season dreams are made of," Potter said.
تستعد العاصمة لاستضافة منافسات بطولة أبوظبي العالمية للترايثلون 2024 (الجولة الافتتاحية لسلسة بطولات العالم للترايثلون) يومي 8 و 9 مارس في حلبة مرسى ياس، بمشاركة نخبة من ألمع نجوم رياضة الترايثلون الذين يتطلعون إلى حصد نقاط تدعم تأهلهم لدورتي الألعاب الأولمبية والبارالمبية 2024… pic.twitter.com/xwy8Xx37ir
— مجلس أبوظبي الرياضي (@AbuDhabiSC) March 6, 2024
"Obviously, the race this weekend is so important for every athlete lining up in Abu Dhabi as we look towards the Olympic Games this summer. I'm excited to test my legs and hopefully have another get race in Abu Dhabi!"
The Mixed Team Relay, a highlight of the two-day event, promises another spectacle with record 15 countries to compete in the unique three-athlete format.
Reigning Olympic champions Great Britain will face fierce competition from Olympic silver and bronze medallists, USA and France, respectively.
Concurrently, the first World Para Cup also takes place on Friday. With all eyes on the Paralympic Games in Paris later this year, there will be plenty of medal hopefuls. Look out for Florian Brungraber of Austria (PTWC), who will be keen to match his victory from last year's event as he attempts to set an early marker ahead of the Paralympics in September.
Spain's Eva Pedrero (PTWC) will be another defending gold medallist from the 2023 World Cup in Abu Dhabi to keep tabs on. In addition to the elite races, the event emphasises community engagement by hosting 15 open age-group races in triathlon, running and cycling.
The schedule features different age group categories, giving individuals of all abilities a unique chance to race on the same course as the top stars. Registrations for the age group and community races are now open, and athletes and enthusiasts eager to be part of the action can sign up via the event website at abudhabi.triathlon.org.
Entries start from just AED 40. It is the ninth time that Abu Dhabi will be hosting a leg of this championship which includes Yokohama, Cagliari, Montreal, Hamburg and Malaga.
Season preview: 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series 👇#Triathlon #RoadToParis2024 #PathsToParis #Paris2024 #BeYourExtraordinary @triathlonlive https://t.co/gWdFA8uufa
— World Triathlon (@worldtriathlon) March 5, 2024
