Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon – the endurance squad backed by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) – has added three new members to its ranks as it looks to broaden its competitive edge in 2010.
Australia’s Peter Jacobs, Rachel Joyce of the UK and Jans Van Berkel of the Netherlands have joined the squad, increasing the team roster to seven. As it looks to compete across four continents this year, the full squad is expected on the starting line for the inaugural US$250,000 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
Speaking from Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon’s winter training base in the Emirate’s Oasis City of Al Ain, team captain, Faris Al-Sultan – the 2005 Ironman World Champion – said the additions give the squad more opportunities to compete globally and balance its core strengths.
Aimed at attracting 1,000 triathletes to the region and thus bolstering local tourism, the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon has reportedly secured more than 500 competitors from Australasia, Europe, the Middle East, Americas, North Africa, the Far East, Russia and Africa.
Al-Sultan believes the event’s first-of-its-kind format, with a finishing running leg shorter than typical Ironman events, to allow for quicker post-race recovery, as well as the event’s two unique lengths, a testing 223K ‘pure power’ course and a second 111.5K route, will continue to attract elites and amateurs alike.
“This distance is a major pull for athletes; as it is less punishing in terms of recovery times as a full Ironman event. This means athletes can compete more often. In addition, as a season opening event, it works extremely well – as if you went straight into a full Ironman after the winter break, you’d see a lot of injuries, which could really hamper a racer’s season,” he added.
Faisal Al Sheikh, Head – Major Events Division at ADTA, believes the newly-enhanced team lends credibility to the Emirate’s sporting credentials, and its presence at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon will be a significant incentive for other competitors.
“Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon’s strength is that it has grown organically over time and it is a positive sign to see the squad continues to attract like-minded elite athletes to its ranks, as it sets its sights on more competitions throughout 2010,” said Faisal Al Sheikh.
