2013 Abu Dhabi Triathlon
Another hot Abu Dhabi Triathlon is in the books, but this time with an altered bike course, a repeat male winner and a new female champion.
The 2011 champion Frederik Van Lierde managed to hold off 2010 champion Eneko Llanos and Abu Dhabi rookie Tyler Butterfield. Meanwhile in the women's race it was another oh so close experience for Caroline Steffen who got caught and passed during the run by Melissa Hauschildt who ended up with the win.
All images © Paul Phillips / Competitive Image
2010 champion Eneko Llanos on the way out of town.
A bit earlier in the morning – action during the swim portion.
Macca and Conrad Stoltz came out of the water in similar positions
Canadian Heather Wurtele racing in a new kit hard on the throttle.
Melissa Hauschildt had quite a bit of time to make up after the swim.
The Caveman Conrad Stoltz rode very hard early on and paid for it later.
2011 champion Frederik Van Lierde looked good all day and made his #1 plate proud.
Nikki Butterfield was the defending champion here but she would not finish the bike segment.
The steady Dane Michelle Vesterby on the way to third place.
Bart Aernouts hung tough in Abu Dhabi to finish fourth.
Fraser Cartmell later said he felt good to about 130km and then it was downhill from there.
Oympic champion Alistair Brownlee tested the short course and came home with a win despite a navigation error on the bike.
Fellow ITU Olympic course specialist Alexander Bryukhankov on his way to third place.
Caroline Steffen pushed into the lead on the bike later on.
Hauschildt however did not want her to get too much of a cushion.
Magnus Backstedt had his triathlon debut in Abu Dhabi and managed a second place in M35-39 despite a couple flat tires.
Frederik Van Lierde took charge of the race during the run and grabbed his second Abu Dhabi International Triathlon title.
The 2013 Abu Dhabi Tri female champion Melissa Hauschildt will go home with $50,000.
Caroline Steffen was a gracious second place finisher.
The women's podium.
