Organisers of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi believe the calibre of elite and age grade entrants to this year’s event speak volumes for the growing interest of the sport in the UAE.

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The stage is set for the world’s pinnacle triathlon circuit – the ITU World Triathlon Series – which will debut in the UAE capital this Friday and Saturday, March 6-7.

To date, over 2,000 participants from 72 countries have registered for the most prestigious mass participation triathlon in the Middle East.

Race organisers are looking forward to welcoming racers flying in to compete in this extraordinary race alongside 125 of the top elite men and women from 40 countries.

 “The exceptional quality of the entry list and participation numbers confirms to us that Abu Dhabi is the perfect starting event on the ITU World Triathlon Series calendar,” said Iain Banner, Local Organising Committee Director.

Although the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon has been running for the last five years, this weekend’s event sees the triathlon receiving ITU status for the first time.

Abu Dhabi will act as the opening round of the ITU World Triathlon Series, with Auckland, Gold Coast, Cape Town, Yokohama, London, Hamburg, Stockholm, Edmonton and Chicago making up the rest of the year.

Banner described the ITU status for Abu Dhabi as “huge”.

“It’s a move from a fabulous long distance event to being one of 10 major cities on the world circuit,” he said.

“Our belief that this had the potential to be major was confirmed by the quality of the elite athletes that have entered. It’s the first event on the circuit and the response has been remarkable.

“We have 2,100 age group athletes that have also entered and paid the entry fees, which is a clear indication that the demand for triathlon is growing and the interest in the World Series is significant in this region. It’s huge.”

Banner thinks being named part of the WTS is reward for how successful the Abu Dhabi event has been since it was established in 2010.

“The authorities have supported a number of initiatives at their risk and now they’re moving to a position of saying we’re an established venue. We want world events that stand on their own two feet and we’ll support them,” he said.

The South African also believes spectators are in for some quality competition this weekend, and has urged them to pack the capital’s Corniche.

“I think you’re going to see a magnificent venue, the backdrop of Abu Dhabi is spectacular. The water is great.

“Some intense racing too. The athletes are coming here to test their conditioning as the starting event of the series and I think we’re in for a treat.

“We look forward to welcoming the best triathletes in the world to Abu Dhabi and to seeing them all compete intensely for line honours.

“Elites, age group athletes and the spectating public are in for a treat and should ensure they are at the race village on March 7 to experience racing of the highest order.”