Latest news with #WorldTriathlonChampionships
Al Etihad
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Athletes gear up for Challenge Sir Bani Yas - the first long-distance triathlon in the Middle East
26 Mar 2025 02:51 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI) Hundreds of triathletes from the UAE and around the world are set to descend on Sir Bani Yas Island, which will be the stunning backdrop for a new triathlon - the Challenge Sir Bani Yas on April under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the event offers not only the first long-distance triathlon in the Middle East, but also hosts races for athletes wishing to take part in middle and Olympic distance races, as well as a variety of community races for all ages and middle and Olympic distance races are recognised qualification events for the World Triathlon Championships 2025 in athletes and couple Lottie Lucas and Felipe Azevedo, two triathletes who have called the UAE home for over a decade, the race is a chance to put the country on the triathlon map."Events like this are attracting top athletes (including former World Champions!) to visit the UAE and showcase the region as an excellent place to train and live," Lucas told Aletihad. "Hopefully, this inspires other members of the UAE community to come to spectate and get involved in one of the community events too." Lucas and Azevedo are currently both ranked first in the country and will represent Team UAE in the gruelling long-distance race that consists of a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle and a 42.2km marathon. The couple say they are looking forward to experiencing Sir Bani Yas Island, which boasts a wildlife sanctuary. "The island will create an exciting race atmosphere amongst athletes and spectators, as the majority of people will be staying there for three days. This creates an exciting atmosphere in the build-up and post-race. As this is the first time the race has happened, no one really knows exactly how the course and weather conditions will play out on race day," Azevedo said. "The terrain will add some additional challenge on the bike course, which may also create some interesting dynamics against the other competitors. We are hoping the wildlife won't interfere with the race but will add to the excitement and thrill."Lucas says she is excited that many of the athletes who they coach and train with will be competing in the race. She advised athletes who are competing to be wary of the temperatures."Staying hydrated and cool is the priority, as the weather conditions are expected to be very tough. It is a 10.30am race start, meaning that we will be racing at the hottest part of the day," she said."It takes many years of consistent training to be fully prepared for such a race. When you are physically prepared and showing good numbers in training sessions, it should translate to confidence and being mentally ready to race."Azevedo said the couple would be going all out for a podium finish."As it is a 'home' race for us, it gives us extra motivation to push more in the race and to hopefully fight for a good result to make the UAE proud," he said. In addition to the long distance, middle distance and Olympic distance races, the community are open to friends, family and island visitors of all ages and abilities.
Khaleej Times
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE: New accommodation, travel options for Sir Bani Yas Challenge participants
As Abu Dhabi gears up for the region's first long distance triathlon, organisers revealed new accommodation and transport options to Sir Bani Yas Island. The full ironman distance will take place on April 5 and 6 and its course includes a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run. The event expects to host up to 3,000 athletes across different race categories, with infrastructure designed to accommodate over 6,000 visitors at the race village on race week. While the island's high-end resort remains the primary on-site lodging, organisers said they have expanded accommodation options beyond Sir Bani Yas, to provide more budget-friendly options. "We have secured all accommodation on the island, as well as various accommodation, hotel options in Al Dhannah City for athletes and supporters," said the race director. "Making sure we can accommodate all is of top priority." Addressing cost concerns, organisers confirmed that the new accommodation options cater to different budgets and urged participants to check the event website for up-to-date listings. Despite previous promotional announcements of a cruise ship option for athletes to stay on during race week, the ship will no longer be available 'due to unforeseen circumstances.' Camping, an option seen in other endurance races, will not be available either, he said. However, the race team secured accommodation in the nearby Al Dhannah City to be available for all attendees, together with free transfers. 'We are offering free transport, including ferry services, to ensure a seamless travel experience for all attendees,' explained the director. 'This is part of our commitment to making the event as inclusive and accessible as possible.' The event will also feature middle- and Olympic-distance triathlons, with the middle and Olympic distances serving as qualifiers for UAE residents aiming to compete in the 2025 World Triathlon Championships in Australia. Additionally, a series of community races, including swim, cycle, and run challenges, will allow participants of all ages to engage in the weekend's festivities. Beyond the competition, the race village will host entertainment activities throughout the weekend, including live DJs, roaming performers, and a kids' zone. 'We want this event to be more than just a race,' he said. 'We have a full lineup of entertainment and activities to create a festival-like atmosphere for both athletes and spectators.' While some local athletes refrained from taking part in the challenge to avoid racing in April's heat, particularly given that Ramadan precedes the event, making it difficult for those observing the fast to train extensively, organisers explained that scheduling the race earlier in the year was not feasible due to Ramadan and the European triathlon calendar. Nonetheless, the race team will be actively monitoring weather conditions and will adjust race schedules to ensure athlete safety. 'We have in place a comprehensive heat management plan to ensure everyone enjoys the race,' he said. 'Over and above, the start times are planned to try to ensure that athletes are not running in the mid-day heat, but rather in the cooler afternoon and early evening hours.' The race will be held earlier in the coming years 'as Ramadan moves each year to cooler months,' added the director. 'We are planning on moving the event forward in 2026 to capture the cooler March weather and ideally lock the event annually to the mid or third weekend in March.' For those looking to make the most of their visit, the island offers an array of excursions, including wildlife safaris, archaeological tours, horseback riding, and kayaking through the mangroves. Visitors can also engage in water sports, mountain biking, and guided nature walks among the island's 17,000 free-roaming animals.
