Event

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

Location

Abu Dhabi (UAE)

Date

March 2011

The Challenge

3km swim; 200km bike; 20k run

Red Top Athletes

Pedro Reis e Sa

Organisers

Abu Dhabi Triathlon

Report

Pedro Reis e Sa - March 2011

Tips: You will need top management of your nutrition and hydration if you want to finish the race in good shape. My advice is one liter of liquids per hour (mix water with lucozade or any other energy drink), one gel every 45 minutes and one banana every 1h1/2. And pace yourself...it's a very long race under extreme weather conditions.

Great for: strong cyclists who fancy a break from the UK winter weather and want to race with (possibly) the strongest field out of Kona. Also, where else can you ride your bike at a Formula 1 race track...twice?

My experience: I felt great on the swim, which I completed in 1h. The bike was going quite well too until I crashed (km30), got hurt and burst my rear tyre. I had to cycle 15kms on the rim until the race track and wait 45mins for a mechanic and a paramedic. Still, I completed the bike leg in 7h42m with almost constant headwinds. On the run, I went back to form and finished the 20k in 1h45m. This was my first attempt at long distance triathlon so I'd be happy with the final result no matter what. I highly recommend this race; my whole experience in Abu Dhabi was simply memorable!