FAQs

Registration:

How do I guarantee a place?

Enter during the stated public entry dates and you will be guaranteed a place (Subject to availability).

How do I know that I am entered for the race?

If you are unsure that you are entered to the race follow the procedure below:

1. Check to see if you received a confirmation email from us. If you have a confirmation email then you have a place in the race. Receiving our monthly e-news is another indication that you are entered to the race. Note - you may not be receiving any emails from us even if you are entered. This can be for numerous reasons:

You provided us with an incorrect or out of date email address

The emails are being directed into your junk folder

Our emails are being rejected by your email server

2. Unless you have received confirmation of your payment you are not entered! Confirmation will be sent immediately after entry online.

3. If you have been charged the entry fee but have not received any emails from us then please Contact Us. We will respond to let you know whether you are entered or not. If you are concerned that you aren't entered to the race please do not leave it until the last minute to query it.

My contact details have changed since my entry, how do I change them?

Following your registration we will be sending you emails with important information updates, if your contact details change please contact us via email and we will happily update them.

Changes and Withdrawal:

Can I change the race category to which I am entered?

We will not be able to change your race category, as stated in our terms and conditions that you agreed to upon entry.

I am unable to race, what are my options?

Before contacting us please read the terms and conditions that you agreed to when you entered, which were sent as part of your confirmation email. Any response to email enquiries regarding withdrawal will direct you to the Withdrawal Policy.

As stated in the Terms & Conditions there will be absolutely no refunds.

Teams may make personnel changes but must let us know! Any changes that are not confirmed by the race organiser will not be allowed. If this rule is broken the whole team will be disqualified and further action may be taken.

Note that only withdrawals actioned by mail or email or online will be accepted. All withdrawal emails will be kept on file. The date of receipt of letters or email will be considered as the date of withdrawal.

Can I give my place to another person?

Under no circumstances will places be transferable to another person. Racing in the place of another person is also strictly forbidden and ID checks will be performed at the event.

General Information:

Where does the event take place?

The event starts at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The swim takes place off the private beach of the Emirates palace,

The bike course stretches from Emirates Palace to the Yas Marina Circuit (F1 track) on Yas Island.

The run is on a headland next to the marina close to the Emirates Palace.

Please see the map section for more course details.

What is the race format?

The event has three distances:
Abu Dhabi Sprint Course:  750m Swim, 50km Bike, 5km Run
Abu Dhabi Short Course: 1.5km Swim, 100km Bike, 10km Run
Abu Dhabi Long Course: 3km Swim, 200km Bike, 20km Run

What is the minimum age for the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon?
Competitors must be 17 years old or older.

What sort of weather can I expect at the event?

The temperatures in March can vary between an average high of 28.3° and an average low of 17.6°.

Who are the Official travel partners of the event?

The official travel partners of the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon are Sports Tours International, http://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/triathlon/abu-dhabi-international-triathlon

How do I get my bike to the event?

Our travel partners Sports Tours International will organise transport of bikes for those competitors who have booked through them. So for a hassle free experience we strongly recommend that all competitors organise their travel through Sports Tours International.

Other competitors will have to arrange to ship or take their bikes with them. Please not that most airlines will require prior notice for the carriage of bikes.

Will I be able to take my bike on my flight?

Yes, with most airlines bikes can be pre-booked on to the flight and then checked in as normal. With others bikes can be taken on as oversized baggage. For example Etihad, Abu Dhabi's airline, economy class has a baggage allowance of 20kg and they allow up to 10kg over this which gives a total of 30kg. The bike will be checked in as part of this 30kg allowance.

What type of visa do I need to enter the UAE?

The type of visa required for entry into the UAE depends on your nationality, the purpose of your planned visit and its planned duration. Visa regulations and costs are subject to change so for complete accuracy we strongly recommend you always check with your airline and or regional UAE embassy/ consulate before travelling.

Citizens of UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, are allowed to enter the UAE without a prior visa for a period of one month, following automatic granting of a visit visa on arrival.

When will I receive my race pack?

Race packs will not be sent out by post. They will be available for collection prior to the event (Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday), details of which will be published nearer the time. Race Information will be put up on the website in the weeks running up to the event.

How do I wear my timing chip on the day?

Timing chips must be fixed to the strap and strapped around the ANKLE for all parts of the race. On the swim ensure the ankle strap is attached underneath your wetsuit to avoid ripping it off in transition when removing your wetsuit.

Will there be feed/hydration stations on the course?

Yes, there will be feed and hydration stations positioned throughout all parts of the course and in the transition areas. They will consist of Water, Gatorade Energy Drinks, flat Pepsi, GU chomps on the run, GU gels on the bike and sun cream.
There are a total of 12  Aid Stations spread through the race at the following locations:
1) Arrival Station (before swim): Only Water and Energy Drinks available
2) Swim Exit: Water only.
3-7) Bike course aid stations.  Offer water, Gatorade, flat Pepsi and GU Chomps. Water and Energy Drinks will be served in 650ml bike bottles.  These will be a line of tables, clearly labelled, with the various items on offer.
Please throw litter and empty bottles in the football nets which are available at all bike stations.
8-11) Run course Aid Stations.  Offer water, Gatorade, flat Pepsi, GU gels, food (including pretzels, gummy bears) and water sponges. All fluid will be served in 330ml bottles. These will be a line of tables, clearly labelled, with the various items on offer.

12) Finish: Water and Energy Drinks . Food will also be available at this finish for competitors.

NB. A FIRST AID KIT AND SUNSCREEN IS AVAILABLE AT ALL AID STATIONS

On the run they will be every 2km

On the Bike the will be every 20km

I am a member of a team; do all our members get a timing chip?

No, there is only one timing chip per team. It must be passed on to the next team member in transition; it is effectively passed on like a baton.

How do I find the next member of my team in transition?

There are specified team meet points in transition called "Team Waiting Areas"; this is where you will meet them.

I want to race with someone in particular, how do I arrange this?

Please send your and your friends name and email address to info@abudhabitriathlon.com and we will fill in a request for you both to be put in the same wave.

Swim

What is the sea temperature can I expect in March?

The mean sea temperature in Abu Dhabi for March is 22.3°.

Will I be required to wear a wetsuit?

The Organisers reserve the right to advise on the wearing of wetsuits dependent upon water temperature immediately prior to the race. Competitors should be prepared for both a wetsuit and non wetsuit swim.

Where can I get a wetsuit?

Our official wetsuit supplier is Wetsuithire.co.uk, who can be found at www.wetsuithire.co.uk. They offer good quality, unique wetsuits, at very competitive prices.

Will the race be a mass start or a wave start?

The race will be started in waves and it will be a beach start.

I am not a confident swimmer, what should I do?

We must stress that you need to be up to an adequate swimming ability and that you are confident you can complete the respective swim distance for your category. There will be a swim safety team on hand to help out should the circumstance arise.

If you are unsure of your swim pace we suggest starting at the back of your wave, this will mean less congestion so you can swim at the pace you find comfortable.

Bike

Can I use a mountain bike?

Yes you can but 'bar ends' will have to be removed from the handle bars. We strongly advise using a road bike due to the significant distance of the bike legs in both categories.

Is the event draft legal?

The event is not draft legal for any category.

What is drafting?

Drafting is when cyclists race in a pack and one cyclist shelters behind another to save energy. This is what you will see in the Tour de France. Drafting is against the rules for all competitors for safety reasons. You must not take shelter cycling behind or cycle beside another competitor during the race. You can be disqualified from the race for drafting. The draft zone is a rectangle measuring Twelve (12) metres long by Three (3) metres wide. The centre of the leading 3 metre edge is measured from the back edge of the back wheel. A diagrammatic explanation of drafting is shown below:

An Explanation of drafting is shown here:

Where do I wear my race number while on the bike leg?

Race numbers must be fixed to the back of all competitors while on the bike leg. This can be done using pins or a race belt.

Is the bike course flat?

Yes, the bike course is flat. It has some gentle undulations but no significant climbs.

Run

Is the run course flat?

Yes, the run course is flat.

Where do I wear my race number on the run?

Your number must be displayed on your front, either by swivelling round your race belt, or by pinning the number in four corners to the front of your t-shirt.

Climate and Medical Advice

What sort of weather can I expect at the event?

The temperatures in March can vary between an average high of 28.3° and an average low of 17.6°.

How much fluid should I take before the race?

Prerace hydration is an important part of race strategy. You may be well into the ride before your stomach is settled enough post swim to accept further fluids. Drink enough fluid, preferably electrolyte drink, to feel full but comfortable. 750ml of sports drink in the hour leading up to the start plus a gel 30 minutes pre start is a good guide.

Do I need sunscreen?

Sunscreen is definitely needed.

What are the main hazards of exercise in heat?

The main hazards are overheating, over hydrating and under hydrating.

How often should I take on fluids?

Fluids should be taken frequently. A good guide is approx 500-750ml per hour making allowances for temperature and humidity.

How often should I take on food/energy?

A good guide is 1 gel and ½ a bar per hour

What are symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Confusion, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, headaches, nausea/vomiting and dizziness

Should I be wary of taking too many fluids?

The biggest cause of major medical problems in endurance events is over-hydration. Keep a watch on you fluid intake and limit it to 750ml/hour or 1000ml/hr if extremely warm. Drink predominately electrolytes. Over-hydration can be a major problem in the long course, less so in the short course.

Can I train for the effects of heat?

Heat acclimatisation is important. If you are able to then arrive in Abu Dhabi early to acclimatise, otherwise spend time acclimatising by training in warm conditions even if that means riding a stationary bike in a warm room

Will there be sun-cream available on the course?

Yes, sun-cream will be available at aid stations.