60 members of the UAE dragon boat racing team, Dragon Warriors, are to take part in the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon 2014 on March 15.

The Dragon Warriors previously competed in the 2012 event and are back once again, using the triathlon as valuable training and team building.

The team’s coach, Nerza Del Rosario, explained how participating in the triathlon was beneficial.

“Triathlon brings us together and even though it’s a sport raced individually, we take on the challenge as a team,” she said.

“We train together daily and it’s a great excuse for team building and strengthening the bond between us as a unit.”

Endurance training is vital for the all-Filipino expat team, who are one of region’s top five dragon boat racing outfits.

Del Rosario believes that the high standard of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon means it provides valuable preparation for the Dragon Warriors.

“The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon features an impressive elite field with world-renowned triathletes such as Alistair Brownlee,” she said.

“Just racing alongside the stars is a huge inspiration for us and that will take us right to the finish line on the day.”

The Abu Dhabi Triathlon has three course distances, with the longest covering 223km and involving a 200km cycle. 

Organisers have frozen athlete registration fees for the fifth year in a row and athletes who are interested in entering should visit www.abudhabitriathlon.com.