WORLD CHAMPION AND RECORD BREAKING TRIATHLETES PREPARE
FOR SHOWDOWN IN ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON WOMEN’S
FIELD
The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is excited to announce what will be one of the best
women’s fields in long course Triathlon in 2010. At the forefront of this thrilling prospect will be
current Ironman 70.3 and Xterra Triathlon World Champion and 70.3 distance world record holder
Julie Dibens of Great Britain.
Dibens, who is renowned as one of the fasted triathletes on the planet, has four world titles (2009
Ironman 70.3 and Xterra 2009, 2008, 2007) to her name but will have some strong competition in
the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) organised event. Yvonne Van Vlerken, (2008 Ironman
World Championship runner up and past Ironman world record holder), Leanda Cave (past
Olympic and long distance World Champion) and past Ironman 70.3 World Champion Sam
McGlone are amongst 20 other professional women currently registered for the inaugural event
and all are aiming for victory.
The current favourites in the women’s race include but are not limited to;
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Julie Dibens (GB) Current 70.3 and Xterra World Champion
Yvonne Van Vlerken (NL) 2nd at 2008 Ironman World Championships, multiple Ironman
winner and holder of 3rd fastest "Ironman-Distance" time in history
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Leanda Cave (GB) Past ITU Olympic Distance World Champion, Past ITU Long Distance
World Champion and 3rd at 2007 Ironman 70.3 World Championships and multiple Ironman
70.3 winner
Sam McGlone (CDN) 2006 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and winner 2009 Ironman
Arizona
Hillary Biscay (USA) 10 top three’s at Ironman events in the last two years
Jo Lawn (NZ) 6 time winner Ironman New Zealand
Tereza Marcel (CDN) 4th at 2009 Ironman World Championships and multiple Ironman
winner
Virginia Barasategui (ESP) 3rd at 2009 Ironman World Championships
On racing, Julie Dibens commented, “I am super excited about making the trip to Abu Dhabi in
March. It is a great opportunity for me to step up in distance and try to learn a lot about myself.
With such a great organisation behind the race and a great prize purse, it is set to attract a great
field of top pro males and females. I’m excited to travel to a part of the world that I have never
been to before, and hope that my body is ready to deliver the goods on the day.”
Dibens’ excitement is also shared by Van Vlerken who said, “I can’t wait, I’m really looking
forward to racing at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, which is in such breath-taking
surroundings. The race-distances, the course-design and the professionalism of the organisation
are promising to make this race a hotspot in the events calendar. The world will see triathlon at its
best and I am thrilled that Abu Dhabi is adding Triathlon to the list of successful world-class
events. Authorities in Abu Dhabi are famous for their passion and dedication as well as
professionalism and will show once more how sport can live up to its full potential: for athletes,
for spectators and for media!”
Leanda Cave and Hillary Biscay added comment on the event;
Cave said, "I'm thrilled to be racing this new triathlon in Abu Dhabi! The distance is fantastic for
me: 3km/200km/20km. It's no secret that I am a swim/bike specialist, and this plays perfectly to
my strengths. Second is the location...it's very exciting to be racing in an exotic location like the
United Arab Emirates and finally, the generous prize purse! This will attract some great
competition and that's when I race at my best.”
Biscay said, “I am so excited and honoured to be part of a first-year race of this calibre; the Abu
Dhabi Triathlon is doing a great thing for our sport and for long-distance racing by upping the
stakes and putting on a first-class event. Our sport needs more races like this! I am really looking
forward to racing in a new part of the world and to be lining up next to the best in the world too.
This race's unique distances and top-notch field are going to make for a very exciting race; I've
been training hard all winter and am looking forward to seeing how I measure up!”
On the women’s field John Hazan, Event Director, Abu Dhabi International Triathlon commented,
“I can hardly wait for race day to watch the action unfold; very rarely do you get such a talented
pool of athletes together in one place. It is a true reflection of the impact the race has already
made in such a short time.”
An announcement will be made in a week’s time on the current top men registered for the event.
In addition to the professional race, places are still available for the first ADIT event charged at
US$180 and US$123 for the long and short distances respectively. To date over 400 amateur
and professional athletes are registered from over 25 countries.
Both age group and professional athletes
wishing to enter
the race should
www.abudhabitriathlon.com to enquire about and secure their race entry.
visit