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Organisers of the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon 2012 - the third in the annual series which will be held next March - are targeting a record field of 2,100 participants, up from 1,500 in 2011, as the event continues to attract strong local and international sign-up and elite participation.
Building on the success of this year’s event - which boasted 61 of the world’s best triathletes with 24 global titles between them and an international amateur and newcomer line up from almost 50 countries - organiser Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) believes the sport’s growing regional and international popularity will see the US$250,000 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon comfortably meet across-the-board growth targets.
"Our decision to expand the event’s capacity is in direct response to increased demand both internationally and locally with more than 1,000 athletes already pre-registered," said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, ADTA. "For returnees there will be new challenges in store as we are planning significant route upgrades to raise the bar and bring added variety to the triathlon." The 2012 race will be held on Saturday, March 3 and will again be contested across three distances. The 223kms main ’long course’ boasts a gruelling 3km swim, a 200km cycle and 20km closing run. The ’short’ course, at half the length, has a 1.5km swim, a 100km cycle and a 10 km run, while the sprint course - which returns after a successful 2011 debut and can be run as a team relay - has a 750m swim, a 50km bike and 5km run.
This year’s event drew global interest attracting first time racers from Brazil, the Channel Islands, China, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Slovenia, Turkey, Taiwan and Vietnam. Internationally, the United Kingdom had the most athletes registered at 229, with Germany in second with 120 and the USA in third with 66 - figures ADTA expects to grow.
On a regional level, the Middle East accounted for the biggest rise in athlete participation this year, with 758 racers signed up. Leading the way was the UAE with 637 athletes, followed by Kuwait with 44, Qatar with 35 and Saudi Arabia with 23.
"The last two years have given us a solid foundation on which to further build this event. The positive growth trend, especially from the region’s fledgling triathlon scene, is very encouraging. With an enhanced course, strong pre-registration interest and world-class event management across one of the sport’s most picturesque courses, we are at full sprint towards our best ever showing," added Al Sheikh.
Out to defend their crowns next March will be this year’s winning duo, Belgium’s Frederik Van Lierde and British superstar Julie Dibens.
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