Brownlee brothers go head-to-head in Abu Dhabi

Sibling rivalry for Jonny's first long-distance race

Published: November 27, 2013 at 9:47 am

Britain's Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee will compete against each other at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon in March 2014, where Jonny will take on his first long-distance race.

The race starts in the turquoise waters off Abu Dhabi's public beach, before weaving along the Corniche to Yas Island, home to the annual F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, then returning to finish in the heart of the UAE capital.

"Having watched Alistair’s victory in last year’s event, I knew this was a race that I wanted to do," said Jonathan. "It will be a step up in distance for me, which is a challenge, and I think I can adapt to it very well.”

Alistair won the 'short course' (1.5km swim/100km cycle/10km run) race earlier last March with a time of 3:20:18, which Jonny will be hoping to best next March.

Over 2,000 competitors are expected to attend next year's event, which will also include a 'long course' (3km/200km/20km) and a sprint course (750m/50km/5km)

The long course was won earlier this year by Belgium's Frederik Van Lierde (2013 Ironman World Champion) in a time of 6:41:02, while Melissa Haustchildt (AUS) won the women's race in 7:20:29.

For more info on next year's event head to www.abudhabitriathlon.com.

Who do you think will win this race – Alistair or Jonny? Let us know in the comments box below!