In less than two weeks, more than 50 of the world’s best triathletes will be racking their bikes for the US$250,000 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon 2012, as they get ready to contest one of the sport’s richest prize purses.

This year’s elite field includes athletes who have recorded a combined total of 16 World Championship titles, 47 European titles, 102 national titles and 76 Ironman wins, plus more than 500 podium places between them – suggesting the strongest line-up in the March 3rd event’s history.

“This event has gone from strength-to-strength, both in terms of the quality and depth competing,' said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority – which is behind the event.

“When we started this event three years ago, we wanted to create a showpiece that would be a calendar highlight for triathletes the world over. Looking at this year’s line-up, I would say we have fully achieved that goal.”

A 2012 highlight for the men’s race is the arrival of Chris Lieto, the American known as the ‘fastest man on a bike,’ who has 80 triathlons and 15 victories under his belt, including three Ironman wins and three top 10 Championship finishes, including a second place in 2009.

Other big hitters include Eneko Llanos, plus Clayton Fettell, Andrew Starykowicz, Fraser Cartmell, Luke Bell, James Cunnama and Leon Griffin.

The women’s race is also packed with first-class competitors, including Caroline Steffen, Melissa Rollison, Leanda Cave, Emma-Kate Lidbury, Nikki Butterfield and Jodie Swallow.

The elites will battle it out on the same power packed course as the record breaking number of age group athletes - an experience set to motivate these ‘weekend warriors’ who are coming from 67 different countries.

The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon 2012 will kick off on 3 March. Get the latest news and race reports by following Editor Tim Bradley on Twitter.