Jonathan eyes Olympic berth with victory at Abu Dhabi Triathlon

The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi will display the highest standard of elite athlete field in the history of the race for this year’s 2020 edition.

The full world’s top 10 male triathletes will compete in Abu Dhabi this year, whilst nine of the world’s top female triathletes will be heading to Yas Island for March 5-7.

Overall, 180 elite triathletes and para-triathletes will be facing off for a highly contested series, ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Double Olympic medallist Jonathan Brownlee will be diving into the course on Yas Island for this year’s race, looking for key qualification points to fulfill his Olympic aspirations. His brother, Alistair, who recently announced he has his sights set on a third Olympic gold medal, is currently on the waiting list proving just how competitive this field is.

All of the previous Abu Dhabi men’s champions - Javier Gomez, Henri Schoeman, and the three-time winner, Mario Mola - will be returning to the capital, alongside the reigning world champion, Vincent Luis. The triathlon will also welcome young talent, such as Alex Yee, who came second in Abu Dhabi last year, at the age of 21, offering fresh challenges for established and emerging triathletes in this year’s field.

Speaking of his upcoming participation in the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, three-time Abu Dhabi champion and three-time World Champion, Mario Mola commented: “This is a big year for us all.

“I’m excited to get back on the blue carpet and see how competitive I am ahead of the Games this summer.

“I’ve always loved racing on the biggest stages, and Abu Dhabi is a particular favourite of mine, having won here three times. Winning again for a fourth time would be such an amazing way to start my 2020 season.”

Nine of the world’s top ten female triathletes will be participating in the 2020 Women’s Field, demonstrating the level of talent taking part this coming March.

Katie Zaferes, the reigning world champion and Abu Dhabi defending champion, will lead the pack, alongside four of the five previous Abu Dhabi winners: Rachel Klamer, Andrea Hewitt and Jodie Stimpson.

Triathlon legend, Flora Duffy, will make her return to the water at Yas Island, after an injury filled 2018 and 2019. She will be joined by the bronze and silver winners of the 2016 Olympic Podium, Nicola Spirig and Vicky Holland, showcasing the level of competition to be found this year in Abu Dhabi.