Who's jumping ship this weekend to race in Abu Dhabi? Well, defending Ironman China champ Rasmus Henning will not defend his title this weekend as he seeks different title and a bigger pay day in Abu Dhabi. He did very well in his Ironman debut last year in the China heat and seems to be a leading contender for this weekend's race. On the women's side Tereza Macel (3rd) and Hillary Biscay (6th) will skip the heat in Haikou for the heat in Abu Dhabi and a chance at some prize money.
The new Abu Dhabi International Triathlon set to take place this weekend in the United Arab Emirates has attracted a lot of attention and some of the best professional triathletes from around the world. Triathlete magazine had labeled it one of the "Most Anticipated New Races of 2010". Its first-of-its-kind format and a $230,000 USD professional prize purse are some of the reasons. This new early season race in an exotic location features a longer bike course with a running leg shorter than typical Ironman events which allows for a quicker recovery. The race main race consist of a 3km Swim, 200km Bike and a 20km Run. The triathlon will also have a shorter distance event consiting of a 1.5km Swim, 100km Bike and a 10km Run.
Some of the contenders chasing this weekend's $50,000 first place prize are:
| Ain Alar Juhanson | Caroline Steffen | |
| Bjorn Andersson | Catriona Morrison | |
| Bryan Rhodes | Heleen bij de Vaate | |
| Dirk Bockel | Hillary Biscay | |
| Eneko Llanos | Joanna Lawn | |
| Faris Al Sultan | Julie Dibens | |
| Joe Gambles | Leanda Cave | |
| Jordan Rapp | Lisbeth Kristensen | |
| Leon Griffin | Lucie Zelenkova | |
| Maik Twelsiek | Rachel Joyce | |
| Mathias Hecht | Rebekah Keat | |
| Philip Graves | Samantha McGlone | |
| Rasmus Henning | Tereza Macel | |
| Raynard Tissink | Tine Deckers | |
| Ronnie Schildknecht | Virginia Berasategui | |
| Rutger Beke | Yvonne Van Vlerken | |
| Pre-Race Favorites in BOLD | ||
Athletes will have to contend with hot conditions, a longer than normal bike course compared to a typical Ironman even and a shorter run that doesn't leave too much room for playing catch-up for a chance at the money at the top.
| Place | Male |
Female |
| 1st | $50000 |
$50000 |
| 2nd | $20000 |
$20000 |
| 3rd | $15000 |
$15000 |
| 4th | $10000 |
$10000 |
| 5th | $7500 |
$7500 |
| 6th | $5000 |
$5000 |
| 7th | $3000 |
$3000 |
| 8th | $2000 |
$2000 |
| 9th | $1500 |
$1500 |
| 10th | $1000 |
$1000 |
| Total | $115000 |
$115000 |
The prize money being dished out at this weekend race doesn't come close to the million dollar prize money being awarded in Des Moines, IA at the Hy-Vee Triathlon but it sure is more than the prize money at a typical WTC event. The first three places on both sides will earn more than what they could win in China this weekend or at any other race besides Kona. Besides, this new even doesn't have professional rules in place that determines prize money distribution based on times compared to the first place finisher, which is probably a big draw as well, just ask Hillary Biscay.
The number of pro's racing in this weekend event is huge, something not normally seen at a typical early season race or WTC event. It's probably right behind the collection of athletes that race in Kona. The long distance triathlon isn't everybody's cup of tea, just look at the notable absence of some other world class professional athletes not racing in Abu Dhabi.
Men: Craig Alexander, Chris McCormack, Chris Lieto, Andreas Raelert, Timo Bracht, Terenzo Bozzone, Marino Vanhoenacker, Cameron Brown, Michael Raelert, Tim O'Donnell,
Women: Chrissie Wellington, Mirinda Carfrae, Sandra Wallenhorst, Erika Csomor, Linsey Corbin, Belinda Granger, Michellie Jones
Close to 800 athletes from more than 30 countries have signed up to take part in what organizers hope will become one of the classic events on the triathlon calendar. Age group athletes will vie for a $20,000 USD prize purse.
Additional information on the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Triathlon can be found on the events website at: www.abudhabitriathlon.com
Related Posts:
• New Abu Dhabi International Triathlon Unveiled in the UAE
