Alistair and Jonny Brownlee set new course record at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, Svenja Bazlen takes maiden victory
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Alistair and Jonny Brownlee destroyed the competition in Abu Dhabi, the world’s most glamourous triathlon
The Brownlees domintated the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon short course today. Alistair and Jonny Brownlee led from the crystal clear water off the Corniche in 17:16 with fellow Brit Rhys Davey close behind.
The trio led out onto the bike course and by the halfway point of the fast 100km course at the Yas Marina Formula One circuit, the Brownlees had increased their lead to nearly minutes, Davey falling behind into the chase pack.
The Brownlees blasted back towards transition, to rack their bikes five minutes ahead of third-placed Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) after racing for two hours 35 minutes.
The roasting heat didn’t seem to stifle the brothers from Leeds, who flew onto the run course, their lead swelling to over six minutes by the first run turn. From there, the pair cruised the 10km while behind them, Bart Aernouts (BEL) and Ruedi Wild (SUI) moved up through the order.
The Brownlees had plenty of time to spare at the finish, crossing the line together in 3:12:21 to claim victory and set a new course record – eight minutes faster than Alistair Brownlee’s winning time in 2013.
Wild ran superbly to take the final podium position in 3:16:59 with Aernouts claiming fourth in 3:17:11 ahead of Schildknecht (3:17:54).
Two-times Abu Dhabi International Triathlon winner, Alistair Brownlee, said: “Jonny and I both got a good lead out of the swim and we just concentrated and stayed focused on biking as hard as we could. We managed to keep going strong on the Yas Marina Circuit, gaining a strong lead before the run leg which really helped us break away and take the lead.”
In his first year in Abu Dhabi, Jonny Brownlee, added: “Everything in Abu Dhabi is big and impressive and you can say the same about this event! I’ve done the same events for 4-5 years now and so it’s really cool to go somewhere so completely different. Where else can you ride on a F1 circuit and bike in the pits and chicanes? The Yas Marina Circuit was a highlight and, due to the smooth tarmac, allowed me to get up to 65km/h on my bike which I really enjoyed.”
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Germany’s Svenja Bazlen proved herself strongest over the short course at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon
In the women’s race, Olympian Svenja Bazlen (GER) led out of transition and onto the bike after clocking a 19:01 swim for the 1500m course, putting her third out of the water.
Never a look back, the German drilled the bike course to reach T2 seven minutes ahead of Annabel Luxford (AUS).
Bazlen smashed the run in 40:08 to put even more time into Luxford, claiming victory in 3:34:51.
Luxford took second in 3:46:02 while Lisa Marangon (AUS) claimed the final podium spot in 3:46:49 ahead of Jessica Harrison (FRA) – 3:54:43 – and Georgie Rutherford – 3:58:41.
Bazlen said: “I’m feeling pretty good and really happy with the result. Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is one of the most famous and prestigious triathlons in the tri series and one that I’ve always wanted to do. It’s such a fantastic feeling to win here.”