Elite athletes to compete in region's largest triathlon

Abu Dhabi - As many as 92 of the world's elite triathletes and 2,380 age group participants will be in action from Friday

The third edition of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi will see a record 2,500 athletes swim, bike and race on a brand new course on Yas Island on Friday and Saturday.
As many as 92 of the world's elite triathletes and 2,380 age group participants will be in action from Friday. The elite field boasts countless World Championship titles, Olympic medals and 353 ITU World Series titles between them.
Women athletes will compete on Friday with six of the world's top 10 women on the start list, including Abu Dhabi's defending champion Jodie Stimpson, World No.3 Ai Ueda, US Olympians Katie Zaferes and Sarah True, World No. 6 Andrea Hewitt and World No. 8 Australia's Charlotte McShane.
Stimpson is gunning for back-to-back titles. She has got a new coach and is in the Capital after a good break. "There have been a lot of positive changes in my life and I really look forward to the race this weekend," she said during the press conference in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
On the course being moved from Corniche to Yas Island, she said: "As an athlete you try and prepare for each race so when you're chucked on any course you can handle it. That's the athlete that I aspire to be. This course will definitely test me technically especially on the bike course, which is the bit that matters the most on this course, is where you have to be really on it."
The men's race is on Saturday and on the list are 2016 ITU World Champion Mario Mola, World No. 3 Fernando Alarza, Portugal's Olympian Joao Silva, World No. 5 Richard Murray and World No. 4 Henri Schoeman among others.
Crowd favourite, five-time ITU World Champion and two-time Olympic medallist, Javier Gomez, is well prepared. "After the Ironman 70.3 Dubai last month I've been training well, with more speed needed for this race. I'm excited to be back and let's see what happens this weekend."
He will be facing tough competition from Mola, who is eyeing a hat-trick.
Mola, however, is not feeling any pressure. "I see it as a motivation to try new things as I've done in the past. It's been a great way for me to start the year in Abu Dhabi and with it comes new challenges. Maybe I'll do what I've done the past couple of years and see if it works to my favour this year as well." 
The event has been extended from a one-day to two and got new course in Yas Island, which race director Gary Marescia described as 'truly spectacular'.
"Triathlon is the fastest growing Olympic sport with a global participation of 16 per cent each year. We are pleased by the increase in participation figure from Abu Dhabi."
He pointed out there are 86 countries represented as per entry list.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council director of technical affairs said the mass participation is very encouraging.
"Triathlon represents everything we are working towards for the UAE's communities. It is a sport that attracts and welcomes people from all walks of life - irrespective of age, gender, nationality or ability - to search for that wonderful sense of achievement."
There will also be events for youngsters - Kids Duathlon, Junior Races, Junior Tri Super Sprint among other on Friday.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com