FAQ

Is the World Triathlon Abu Dhabi Age Group Races going ahead this weekend 3-4 May?

We regret to inform you that the 2024 World Triathlon Abu Dhabi Age Group Races powered by TAQA has been cancelled for your safety. This decision was not taken lightly, and your safety remains our top priority.

To our dedicated athletes, we understand the disappointment this news brings, especially for those who have been eagerly preparing for this event, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. Your commitment and passion for the sport are truly admirable.

All registered age group athletes will be directly emailed with instructions on how to proceed with the refund process. For further assistance, please refer to our FAQ via the link in our bio. If you can't find the information you need, please reach out to our dedicated team at info@wts-abudhabi.com.

 

Are the Community Events still going ahead on Friday 3 May?

All activity this weekend 3-4 May will be affected by the cancellation, there will be no events held on Friday 3 May, or Saturday 4 May 2024 for athlete safety.

 

What will happen with my entry - Will the event be rescheduled?

The event will not be rescheduled. All registered athletes will receive a full refund of their entry fee within 30 days of the announcement. There will be no option to defer your entry to the 2025 event. 

 

What do I need to do to claim my refund?

Since all athletes will be refunded the amount that they paid, there is nothing further that you need to do to claim your refund, all refunds will be processed automatically to t he card that you used to pay with. If you have changed your account please reach out to us and confirm your new card details to events@gulfmultisport.com.

 

How long will it take for the refund of my entry fee to be processed?

Please allow 30 days for the refund to clear in your account. If you have not received the refund within 30 days, please contact us on info@wts-abudhabi.com.

 

I have already collected my race pack in March - what should I do with the Timing Chip?

With the announcement of cancellation of all 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi competitions, we would kindly like to request the prompt return of the red timing chip that was in your race pack envelope that you collected.

For convenience, we request the chip to be dropped at one of the following businesses:

Crown Plaza Hotel - Yaz Plaza (Concierge)

Gulf Multi Sport Office - Monday to Thursday (9:00am-5:00pm) & Friday (9:00am-1:00pm)
Wolfi's Abu Dhabi - Sunday to Monday (8:00am-9:00pm)
Wolfi's Dubai - Sunday (11:00am-7:00pm) & Monday to Saturday (8:30am-7:00pm)
Yas Cycles - Saturday to Sunday (8:30am-7:30pm) & Monday to Friday (10:00am-9:00pm)

Should any of these options not be convenient, please get in touch with us directly by emailing: events@gulfmultisport.com.

 

When and where will the next event take place?

The next edition of the World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi – will take place at in March, 2025.

All registered age group athletes have been emailed directly with the notification of the cancellation.

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team at info@wts-abudhabi.com

 

What are the race categories, and how much are they to enter?

Our age group and junior race categories make this event accessible for athletes of all ages and abilities – from first-timers looking for a new challenge, to seasoned athletes racing for a spot on the podium. Whatever your goal – get ready to Be Your Extraordinary in Abu Dhabi!

Age Group Race Categories:

  • Standard: 1.5km swim | 40km bike | 10km run
  • Sprint: 750m swim | 20km bike | 5km run
  • Super Sprint: 375m swim | 10km bike |2.5km run

All options can be raced as an individual or as part of a relay team of 3 athletes.

Junior Race Categories:

  • Junior Super Sprint (12 – 15 years): 375m swim | 10km bike |2.5km run
  • Junior Super Sprint Team (12 – 15 years): 375m swim | 10km bike |2.5km run
  • Kids Triathlon (9 - 11 years): 260m swim | 4.1km bike | 1.35km run

Community Races (Single Discipline events):

  • Community Cycle (12+ years): 30km bike
  • Community Cycle (14+ years): 50km bike
  • Community Run 1km (0+ years): 1km run/walk
  • Community Run 2.5km (5+ years): 2.5km run/walk
  • Community Run 5km (8+ years): 5km run/walk

To enter the age group, junior and community races, please click here.

 

 

Can I enter the age group races as part of a team?

Yes - the age group triathlon race options can be completed as an individual or as a team relay of 3 athletes. The relay allows each participant to complete the discipline they are most comfortable with and makes triathlon very manageable for first-timers. It gives new triathletes a great introduction to the wonderful sport and the chance to enjoy participating with family and friends.

A team consists of 3 participants, each doing 1 discipline.

 

Do I need a license from UAE Triathlon to race?

  • No, you do not require a UAE Triathlon License in order to compete in the Age Group, Junior and Kids events in 2024.
  • Athletes still have the option to take out a UAE Triathlon membership for an annual license (AED 250) which carried various benefits. 

Register here for a one year license (AED250):

 

Where can I find information about my race - is there an Athlete Guide?

Yes, all the information you need to know about your race will be included in your Athlete´s Guide which has been shared with all registered athletes and also available on our website under Athlete Guides - here. 

 

When and where can I collect my Race Pack?

Race Pack Collection will take place on Friday 3 May from 12:00 - 20:30 and Saturday 4 May from 12:00 - 17:00 at the event venue. Details around Race Pack Collection will be included in your Athlete´s Guide.


What is your policy on refunds?

Refunds are possible up to 30 days prior to race day, after this no refunds are possible. Please note that there is a AED 30 administration fee for any refunds issued.

 

Can I change my race category?

Category changes will be facilitated up to 23:59 on Thursday 25 April.  Thereafter no category changes will be possible. If you are upgrading to a longer distance within the allowed period, you will need to pay the difference in entry fees. If you are downgrading to a shorter distance, you will not receive a refund for the difference in entry fees.

 

Am I allowed to Transfer / Substitute an entry?

This event does not allow individual athletes to transfer or substitute their individual entry from one athlete to another. This event allows substitutions in the Team categories up to 23:59 on Thursday 25 April 2024. Thereafter no further substetuttions will be possible.

 

What is the COVID-19 Protocol?

Abu Dhabi remains to be a safe awe-inspiring and culturally rich destination. We are now open to all vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers and ready to welcome you as the UAE lifted all restrictions and precautionary measurements.

 

PCR Testing Facilities

If you require a PCR test for travel purposes, Yas Mall is the closest testing facility. A short taxi ride from the event hotels will cost in the region of AED 12 - 15. Ask the taxi to drop you at the Carrefour Supermarket entrance.

 

Do I need to sign an event disclaimer?

Age Group Races: Yes, every individual and every team member entering online for the Age Group races will agree to the event disclaimer. Those signing up in person, either pre-event or those signing up during event week in the Athletes Village if allowed, must sign a physical disclaimer form. All team members must be at registration to collect race packs. Identification will need to be produced at registration for entry verification.

 

What are the temperatures expected over race weekend.

The temperatures during race week will be warm. The average water temperature in Abu Dhabi in May is 29°C. The daytime averages will climb up to 35°C and drop as low as 17.5°C in the evenings.

 

Will there be start waves, and how will these be determined?

Yes, there will be start waves for all races based on age and gender.  

 

Can I start in another start wave?

If you start before your allocated start wave, you will be disqualified. If you start after your allocated start wave, the time starts from your original assigned wave. No starts between waves are allowed. 

 

Drafting, when will this be allowed, and when not?

All Age Group Races (including kids and junior) are draft illegal.

 

 

Is there a cut off time?

There are cut off times from the start of each race for the swim only, then there is an overall course cut-off times which will be communicated.

Super Sprint triathlon distance: 400m swim / 10km bike / 2.5km run:

  • Cut off: 1 hour 30 mins
  • Swim cut off: 20 minutes

 

Sprint distance: 750m swim / 20km bike / 5km run:

  • Cut off: 2 hours 30 mins
  • Swim cut off: 30 minutes

 

Standard triathlon distance: 1500m swim / 40km bike / 10km run:

  • Cut off: 4.30 hours
  • Swim cut off: 60 minutes

If you are unable to complete your race within the allocated time frame, you will be asked to leave the course and your result will be listed as DNF (Did Not Finish).

 

Will the age groupers receive splits for the separate legs swim/bike/run?

Age groupers will receive time splits. There will be a timing mat at the entrance and exit of transition and at the race finish. There will be additional timing to record cycle and run laps as well.

 

Will there be aid stations on course?

There will be hydration aid stations along the bike and run course. There will be NO aid stations on the cycle course. 

 

What kind of bikes can be used for the race?

Road Bikes, Mountain Bikes, and Hybrid Bikes will be allowed for the triathlon races. Time Trial (TT) Bikes will depend on the drafting rule adopted following the launch of the routes.

If you want to purchase or rent equipment for the World Triathlon Championship Series, our partners would be more than happy to help you. Email info@wts-abudhabi.com for more details.

 

Handlebars and wheels specifications:

Wheels:          

  • Wheels must have at least 12 spokes.
  • Covers are allowed on the rear wheel. However, this provision may be changed by the Technical Delegate in the interest of safety, i.e. high-winds.

Handlebars:  

  • Only handlebars and clip-on bars not extending beyond the leading edge of the front wheel will be permitted.
  • Two-piece clip-on bars do not need to be bridged.
  • All tube ends must be plugged.

 

Can I rent a bike?

Yes, bike rental will be available for the 2024 race on a first come first served basis. Please contact our bike partner Wolfi’s for availability:

  • Email: Rental-hud@wolfis.ae
  • Contact number: 800965347
  • Website: www.wolfis.ae

 

What is deemed to be illegal equipment in this event?

Illegal equipment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Headphone(s) or headset(s)
  • Glass containers
  • Mobile phone(s) or any other electronic listening communication device
  • Cameras and GoPro’s or similar

 

I haven't done a triathlon before - can I sign up for the age group races?

With some training and guidance, anyone can do a triathlon. World Triathlon Abu Dhabi is designed to be a mass participation event with distances catering to novice and experienced triathletes.

We have specifically introduced a Super Sprint category to make the event more accessible to ‘newbies’. To complete the Super Sprint you need to be able to swim 15 lengths of a 25m pool, be able to cycle for 20-30 minutes and then run 15-20 minutes. You can also enter the event as part of a team and choose one or two of the disciplines, depending on your team size (min 2- max 3).

  

Are there Partner Packages Available?

Yes. If your brand would like to be associated with the pinnacle of World Triathlon, we have several packages available from exhibitors to sponsors. Contact info@wts-abudhabi.com and a member of the team will be in touch.