Men's pro field unveiled for Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon (ADIT) is set to launch onto the world circuit on 13 March 2010 and will showcase what may be the greatest collection of triathlon superstars outside of Hawaii Ford Ironman World Championships. The men’s field will not only include world class champions and emerging triathlon elite but will also give age-group amateurs the chance to race alongside today’s best athletes.



The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) organised event has rallied a phenomenal elite field to mark its inaugural event including one of the best long-distance triathlon cyclists in the world Bjorn Andersson, emerging star and UK Ironman champion Phil Graves and Team Abu Dhabi leader and former Ironman World Champion Faris Al-Sultan.



Faris Al-Sultan, Leader of Team Abu Dhabi said, "It's going to be very interesting and exciting to see the best field outside of Hawaii on this unique cycling accented distance. Wind and heat will take their toll and we'll see whose spirit the hopefully big crowd at the Corniche is able to uplift for the final run."



Bjorn Andersson, Ironman Champion, commented on the event, "The new Abu Dhabi International triathlon is exactly what the sport of triathlon needs with an exciting new race format, an exotic location and a good organization behind it. I can't wait to do this race."



The current favourites in the men’s race include but are not limited to:



Bjorn Andersson (SWE) Multiple Ironman and 70.3 distance winner

Dirk Brockel (LUX)7th at Ironman World Championships, Ironman 70.3 winner and 2008 Olympian

Eneko Llanos (ESP) 2nd at 2008 Ironman World Championships and past winner Ironman lanzarote

Faris Al-Sultan (GER) 2005 Ironman World Champion

Fraser Cartmell (GB) Winner 2010 70.3 South Africa and 2008 70.3 UK

Joe Gambles (AUS) 5th at 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Championships and multiple Ironman 70.3 champion

Jordan Rapp (US) Winner Ironman Arizona 2009

Leon Griffin (AUS) Past ITU World Duathlon Champion and Top Ten Ironman 70.3 World Champs

Miak Twelsiak (GER) 2nd off Bike at Ironman Hawaii and Ironman Lake Placid Winner

Oliver Marceau (SWI) Past ITU Olympic Distance World Champion, 2nd at 2008 Xterra World Championships

Phil Graves (GB) Winner 2009 Ironman UK and 2009 Ironman70.3 UK

Rasmus Henning (DEN) Winner 2009 Ironman China. European Champion Long Distance 2009

Raynard Tissink (SA) 5X Ironman winner and 2X Ironman 70.3 winner

Rutger Beke (BEL) 3rd at 2008 Ironman World Championships and numerous Ironman wins



The ADIT will deliver a line-up of high performance athletes in both the men’s and women’s field. Leading the women’s field is Julie Dibens of Great Britain - current Ironman 70.3 and Xterra Triathlon World Champion and 70.3 distance world record holder. Dibens, who is renowned as one of the fasted triathletes on the planet, has four world titles including the 2009 Ironman 70.3, and Xterra 2009, 2008 and 2007.



The current favourites in the women’s race include but are not limited to:



Hillary Biscay (USA) 10 top three’s at Ironman events in the last two years

Jo Lawn (NZ) 6 time winner Ironman New Zealand

Julie Dibens (GB) Current 70.3 and Xterra World Champion

Leanda Cave (GB) Past ITU Olympic Distance World Champion, Past ITU Long Distance World Champion and 3rd at 2007 Ironman 70.3 World Championships and multiple Ironman 70.3 winner

Sam McGlone (CDN) 2006 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and winner 2009 Ironman Arizona

Tereza Marcel (CDN) 4th at 2009 Ironman World Championships and multiple Ironman winner

Virginia Barasategui (ESP) 3rd at 2009 Ironman World Championships

Yvonne Van Vlerken (NL) 2nd at 2008 Ironman World Championships, multiple Ironman winner and holder of 3rd fastest "Ironman-Distance" time in history



The ADIT will offer age-group amateur athletes the chance to race alongside the current legends of triathlon. No other event outside of Hawaii is likely to present a field of champions to this magnitude where amateurs can benchmark their skills against elite athletes – testing physical endurance, agility and ability. The event currently has over 500 entrants from 25 countries. The combination of a first-time event and the opportunity to race in one of the most unique long-distance courses in the world will hopefully ensure ADIT becomes an instant international classic.



Athletes competing in the long-distance course will have the chance to take home a share in $250,000US in prize money. In addition to the professional race, places are still available for the first ADIT event charged at US$180 and US$123 for the long- and short-distances, respectively.



Both age-group and professional athletes wishing to enter the race should visit www.abudhabitriathlon.com to enquire about and secure their race entry.