I am in Abu Dhabi and am getting caught up in the excitement surrounding the 5th annual Abu Dhabi Triathlon! 2,000 competitors from 68 different countries are expected to participate in this extreme test of endurance and strength, all while being surrounded by the luxury and glamour that Abu Dhabi is known for.
Tyler Butterfield, one of the top long-course athletes in the world, finished third last year.
It’s one of the world’s best triathlons,” he says. “It’s bringing people to Abu Dhabi and it’s showcasing the city. I’m tapering pretty hard at the moment with really light training, if any, giving me time to really take in the city. It’s a long, hard day on the long course of about six hours and 45 minutes-plus so I want to be well rested.”
The race will take competitors from the beach, through tree-lined roads, landscaped parks and gardens and along the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf, which surround Abu Dhabi.
To the east of the city the bike route passes over Saadiyat Island and on to another attraction sure to whet the appetite of the cyclist; Yas Island, the home of iconic attractions including Ferrari World (which is the largest indoor amusement park in the world) and Yas Waterworld, one of the largest water parks on earth.
Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee and his brother, 2012 World Champion Jonny, and the current Ironman World Champion Frederik van Lierde are also competing.
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ is wildly popular in UAE and my husband, Don Diamont plays Bill Spencer Jr. on the show. Several cast members will be taking part in the competition. Don will compete in The Bold and the Beautiful Tri Team relay and Katherine Kelly Lang, who plays his love interest Brooke Logan, will compete in the individual short course. I am so excited for them all!
Athletes in the longest event will start with a 3km swim, followed by a 200km bike ride up the corniche to Yas Marina Circuit which is one of the world’s most advanced Grand Prix venues.
There will also be a 20km run around the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race track. Whew!
One of the reasons this triathlon is so popular among these top athletes is due to the beauty, luxury and glamour surrounding this amazing course. So tell me… have you ever participated in a triathlon? Would you if it was in an amazing location?
photo credits: http://www.abudhabitriathlon.com/
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