Monday, 07 March 2011 07:52
Triathletes of all ages at Abu Dhabi International Triathlon
This weekend’s Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, which will feature more than 1,500 athletes from 50 countries, will also boast a staggering 54-year age gap between its youngest and oldest competitors.
Dr Peter Thornback, originally from Bassett in Southampton, England, will celebrate his 69th birthday six days before the race begins on March 12 in the UAE capital. More than half a century his junior is Abu Dhabi schoolboy Paul Muller, who turned 15 in January. Both are competing in the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon’s ‘pure power’ short course, which comprises a 1.5km swim, a 100km cycle and a 10km run.
With the emirate’s iconic 5.55km Yas Marina Circuit – home to the annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – hosting part of the triathlon’s cycling leg again this year, both Dr Thornback - a consulting paediatrician at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City who took up endurance athletics after battling back from cancer - and Muller, from Darwin, Australia, met up at the track to swap tactics.
“In 1992, I got cancer. I had surgery and chemotherapy but after it all I was a wreck. I thought to myself that it was time to get fit. I went to the gym, but it became boring. I then started running just every two or three weeks. When I came over to live in Abu Dhabi eight years ago I met a few people who inspired me to run a little bit more and get some real distance going,” said Dr Thornback.
“Then a friend of mine taught me how to swim. Before that I could only have swam to save my life! With time I could swim 500m, then 800m, and then a couple of kilometres. A year ago my wife bought me a bike and so I took the next natural step and entered the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. I’m not here to win anything and I just want to get around in one piece, but I will enjoy the whole experience and that’s what it is really about.”
Paul and his family, who have lived in the UAE capital for eight years, are keen triathletes and have all signed up for event. And as the youngest member, Paul is relishing the chance to show mother Jenny, father Peter, older brother Tom and sister Sarah what he is made of.
“I know a few people involved in the triathlon and through them I heard there could be a chance that I would get into the race even at my age. I emailed the organisers and asked if it would be possible and I got approved,” said Muller, who goes to the British School, Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Swimming is probably my strongest, although I prefer cycling. I should be comfortable with the distances as I’ve done them all before. A few of my friends go cycling for fun, but they think I’m a little bit different because I go out at 4.30am to train on the bike. I would love to be a professional, but that will be difficult. It’s not an easy business to get into and I would really have to step up my training. However, I will definitely continue this as a hobby.
“There are a few mornings when I find it hard to get out of bed, but I have been doing this for a fair number of years – plus I really enjoy it all. I will be really nervous when I wake up on the morning of the race. Hopefully I will be prepared to get it done. I’m just in it to finish. I’m not looking for a time or a place.”
For Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) which presents the triathlon, the story of Peter and Paul adds to a growing catalogue of inspiring tales emerging from an athletic field which is now one of the best outside of the World Ironman Championships in Hawaii.
“In seeing two athletes at opposite ends of the spectrum such as Peter and Paul taking part not only in the same event but also in the same, very difficult race distance is a powerful statement of what can be achieved with the right motivation,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, ADTA. “We have unearthed tales of disabled competitors and overseas competitors who have saved all year to make the journey – moving stories of inspirational people who really do deserve a huge spectator welcome on March 12.”
Both athletes will be competing for Shimano pedals and Elite carbon bike cages that are amongst a series of prizes - including Dura Ace and Ultegra pedals - both companies have provided to the event.
As such, the event is pleased to announce Shimano as the official component supplier to the event. Shimano have also helped to bring most of the top professionals including Craig Alexander to the event.
Dustin Brady of Shimano comments “Shimano is excited to sponsor the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. It is a world class event with world class talent to kick off the start to the 2011 season.”
Additionally, joining the other event partners 2XU, Ethaid Airlines, Ford, Gatorade, Gu, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan Hotel is Elite as the official bike bottle and turbo trainer supplier of the event.
This relationship will see Elite manufactured Abu Dhabi International Triathlon branded bike bottles provide to all competitor on course, and the creation of a unique 'Elite Training Zone', equipped with turbo trainers made by the Italian based company in the event hotel. This will give competitors the chance to spin their legs pre race without having to risk Abu Dhabi’s rush hour traffic.
On top of this Elite have also provided sets of their carbon bike bottle cages to be used as age group spot prizes. The full list of spot prizes – beyond oldest and youngest finisher - for the event is yet to be announced.
This year’s Abu Dhabi International Triathlon field is almost double that of last year’s inaugural, signalling the event’s and the sport’s swelling appeal from both the Middle East and internationally.
To date, first-timers from Brazil, the Channel Islands, China, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Slovenia, Turkey, Taiwan and Vietnam will take their marks at the Abu Dhabi Corniche start. They’ll line up alongside more than 60 elite athletes – including four-time World Champions Chris McCormack and Craig Alexander and defending champions Spain’s Eneko Llanos and Great Britain’s Julie Dibens.
This month’s event will be raced across three lengths. Professionals will contest a 3kms swim, a 200kms cycle and 20kms closing run. The shorter version, at half the length, has a 1.5kms swim, a 100kms cycle and a 10kms run, with both courses eligible for a share of the US$250,000 prize purse.
Also a first for this month’s edition, ADTA has launched a unique ‘sprint’ distance as an entry platform for aspiring athletes. Comprising a 750m swim, 50kms bike and 5kms run, the new ‘sprint’ course is aimed at boosting uptake from novice racers across the Arabian Gulf and can be raced as an individual or as a team.
Follow the event on twitter and Facebook, additionally from next week on the event’s YouTube channel there will be a video update showing the highlights from morning swims, press conferences, bike check in, race day, the awards and more.
All information on www.abudhabitriathlon.com
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