The long-distance elite-women’s race is shaping up to be one of the mostly tightly contested at Saturday’s Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

Reigning champion, Australian Melissa Hauschildt, and 2013 runner up Caroline Steffen from Switzerland, have both signed up to compete in the event.

The pair, along with several hundred keen amateurs and leading professionals from across the globe, will converge on the Corniche this weekend to bike, swim and run their way to victory.

Hauschildt, 30, is the favourite to keep hold of her title after an impressive 2013 campaign. But two-time ITU Long Distance World Champion Steffen will hope her record of four Abu Dhabi podium finishes will hold her in good stead.

“This is the fifth time in a row I’m making my way to Abu Dhabi to race one of the toughest races on the triathlon circuit,” the 35-year-old said. “After several podium places I’m still missing out on gold, which I hope to secure in this year’s Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

“The heat and tough course certainly makes it a challenging triathlon but they’re also the reasons why I love to compete here. I’m looking forward to race against one of the strongest female professional fields ever.”

The high calibre of international elite triathletes taking part in this year’s event also includes Canadian Heather Wurtele and the Netherlands’ Yvonne van Vlerken.

Since finishing fourth in last year’s event, Wurtele has gone on to break the course record at Ironman Coeur d’Alene, and take other wins at Ironman 70.3 Panama Latin American Pro Championships, Rev3 Quassy and Ironman 70.3 Calgary.

The 6ft 2in competitor said: “Last year was my first year finishing the race in Abu Dhabi [she pulled out in 2012 due to illness] and so I’m confident I can beat my previous performance and secure a top-three podium place.

“Finishing second last year in the official end of year Ironman 70.3 world ranking was a great achievement for me and here’s hoping I can get this new season off to a great start with a win in Abu Dhabi.”

Van Vlerken has similarly impressed recently, placing fourth at the Ironman World Championship Hawaii.

As one of only a few female triathletes to have recorded three or more sub-nine hour times over the ironman distance, it’s not hard to see why she’s often nicknamed “The Flying Dutchwoman”.

Overall female participation, including both professionals and amateurs, in the event has seen a steady increase since launching in 2010.

Between 2010 and 2013, female participation grew an impressive 291 per cent, bringing the number of female competitors at last year’s event up to 423. Both the male and female winners of the long-distance event will receive the same $40,000 (Dh146,922) prize money.