Online registration for the 2015 ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi opened today on the official event website. 

Building on the success of the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, which took place in the capital from 2010 to 2014, the new ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi is set to be even better with a variety of course options to suit a range of abilities.

Now part of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series (WTS), the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi is set to become one of the highlights of the UAE’s sporting calendar.

The new format race features three course options: Sprint (0.5km swim, 20km cycle, 5km run), Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run) and Maxi (2km swim, 80km cycle, 20km run). All course options can also be run with friends or family as a team relay.

A new Maxi course has been added to attract triathletes looking for an exciting challenge in the Emirate.

“The Maxi course has been added to offer a stiffer test to those triathletes who enjoy the longer distance format. Additionally, we have shortened the Sprint swim to 500m to make entering the event achievable for first-time novice competitors,” said Iain Banner, Event Director.

Renowned for its star-studded line-up the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon attracted a record 2,400 athletes from 100 countries to the breathtaking Corniche in 2014.

For 2015 the new format ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi is expected to grow the event even further under the auspices of new event host partner the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

“The opportunity for age group athletes to compete on the same stage as the world’s top 65 men and 65 women is quite unique,” said H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

“Most importantly, it matches with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s role in providing all kinds of support and supervision over major sports events along with providing great interest for talented athletes.”

The elite event will feature a ‘swim start’ off the Volvo Ocean Race yacht pontoons with the top men and women on the ITU World Series rankings competing for line honours in the opening event of the 2015 season.

Enteries can be made on the website http://abudhabi.triathlon.org/enter