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Entries for the 2012 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon have officially opened today for individual and team divisions.

September 7, 2011
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is excited to open registrations for the third edition of the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon which is set to take the United Emirates capital by storm on March 3rd 2012.  

From today, entrants can secure a place in next year’s event by visiting the official website www.abudhabitriathlon.com.  In 2011, the event sold-out all of its 1,500 places several months’ in advance so early registration is recommended.

Organisers of the annual triathlon are forecasting the biggest field yet for next year’s race after raising the capacity to 2,100 – up from last year’s record 1,500 entry list.

“This is in direct response to increased demand both internationally and locally with more than 950 athletes already pre-registered,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the event.

The route takes in our blue-flagged Corniche beach district, Saadiyat Island and the challenging Yas Marina Circuit, home to the annual F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – this event serves as a visually impactful promotional vehicle for the UAE capital,” added Al Sheikh.

2011’s sell-out event saw athletes from 48 different countries take part with the international billing supported by first time representation from Brazil, the Channel Islands, China, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Norway.  

The elite field saw more than 60 of the world’s top professionals line up at the start. Competitors included two-time Ironman World Champions Chris McCormack and Craig Alexander and defending champions Eneko Llanos, from Spain, and Great Britain’s Julie Dibens. Other big names included Mario Vanhoenacker, Dirk Bockel, Caroline Steffen and Catriona Morrison. The hotly contested event saw Julie Dibens reclaim the title for the second consecutive year and Belgium’s Frederik Van Lierde put in a storming run leg to claim glory in the men’s event.

Frederik Van Lierde commented, “My victory in Abu Dhabi 2011 is a memory for life! Swimming in the beautiful lagoon, biking superfast on a F1 circuit and in the end running on the esplanade, I remember every second of my race! Racing with some of the best triathletes in the world in a beautiful environment and climate makes the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon so attractive!

The organisation from the event team is of a high standard with plenty of European experience! Everyone who raced Abu Dhabi can confirm this. In only two years the Abu Dhabi race has become known worldwide with lots of media present and reporting before, live and after the race! Every triathlete, looking for a new experience, should be at the start line in 2012!”

Julie Dibens, reigning female champion added, “The Abu Dhabi triathlon is a world-class event in a world-class city. The Race venue is one of the most unique in the sport and the culture in the UAE is fantastic. I look forward to racing this one every year.”

Dirk Bockel finished second in the inaugural elite race and came back to claim third in 2011.

He said, “Each year, the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is one of the big highlights of my race calendar, and 2012 will be no different.  I have had so many memorable experiences in Abu Dhabi-- from riding the fastest roller coaster in the world at Ferrari World and racing my bike on the World Famous F1 track, to getting a private tour of one of the largest mosques on the planet and receiving the famous Abu Dhabi five star treatment. The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is truly is an event of extremes that no triathlete should miss!"

Scott Curley, age group triathlete from Great Britain enjoyed his experience at this year’s race.

He said “Epic race, amazing venue, beautiful conditions guaranteed, stunning skyline, racing alongside the deepest pro field outside of Kona which included legends like Macca, Crowie, Farris and Dibens. To top it off you get to pilot your TT machine at top speed around the Yas Marina F1 circuit - this race deserves to be on every triathletes 'top ten' must complete race, and once you’ve done it you will be back year after year. I will for sure.”

For 2012 the event will again be contested across three different race distances. The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon Long Course: 3km swim, a 200km cycle and 20km closing run.  The shorter course, at half the length, has a 1.5km swim, a 100km cycle and a 10km run, and the Sprint course has a 750m swim, 50km bike and 5km run.  Relay teams are eligible for the short and sprint distance.

To register for the event – www.abudhabitriathlon.com