When & Where
| Date: | Friday, 14.01.2011 |
| Start Time: | 01:00 pm |
| City: | Abu Dhabi |
| Country: | UAE  |
| Location: | Yas Marina Circuit |
Average ratings
“The event could have been a classic. It wasn't. The wave starts led (for me and others I know) into a personal time trial were we had no idea who we were 'racing' against or any real sense of a race. Why not start the race as a race at the end of the channel and everyone starts together and swims to the marina - the only added complication would be a walk to the start - this would allow the spectators the opportunity to walk alongside the swimmers as well. The bike is fantastic - in that riding around the race circuit is a unique experience, but why can't spectators get any closer - they needed binoculars to see anyone really from where they were 'allowed' to watch. The run was VERY un-spectator friendly and could so easily have been. Why no have a figure of eight or a course where the run comes through the start/finish area a few times?? The 'rules' regarding access etc to the transition area were fascist! There was no reason (other than ease for the organisers e.g. close it etc and then you don't have to organise) for this. Participants wanted to get to their bikes etc 10 min before anything even happened and were not allowed but that is 10 min before the first wave.. why? IS someone going to swim a negative swim split?? Come on ..be friendly! The food at the end was a disaster....So..unless it is a real triathlon with a real whole race field start ..won't be there..We can do solo time trial triathlons on our own with much less hassle.”
“I really enjoyed the race and all the support and the atmosphere was fab. However I felt a bit let down by receiving a plastic medal at the end. T-shirts were great.”
“A good race in an incredible arena ! Race details was not enough clear for a good preparation - especially swimming part. I would only have missed some little things to eat right after the race (banana, dry fruits) instead of a big BBQ. But the event was overall a great sport day !”
“Excellently run race but the finish line was a little strangely located, it was very congested and I know a lot of people's supporters missed them finishing as there was nowhere to wait! perhaps the finish could have been moved back a few hundred yards so to make more room for spectators around the finish line. ”
“Overall a fantastic event. Only gripe is that it should have started earlier like most events do.”
“Well organized, congratulations. A triathlon is not a F1 competition which means that security measures should not be the same. As a competitor, you miss having your family and friends encouraging you closely. You should give one or two accesses on the circuit for spectators so that they can be closer to us. Same for the running part, we were completely alone. My family was waiting for me at the finish and did not see me at all during this section. Showers would also be apprciated. Finally, I cannot see my split timing on Premiertiming site. Where can I find it. Otherwise, all the rest was perfect. Thank you.”
“Need better navigations for swim, easier dock to get swimmers out of water. Turn around for run was confusing, there was short U turn outlet I almost took which should be marked as "Not here". Overall, the staffs were helpful and friendly, and great achievement for the first time running the event. Run was little lonely without much spectaters. ”
“Running out of food was not the best idea! The main cafe upstairs was badly organised and considering they cater for major events this let the otherwise great organisation down. Other than that all went brilliantly. My wave was delayed (7) but I praise the decision to do this as it shows how important safety is. This was excellently communicated by the staff and race marshall. Well done!”
“Maybe just one more drink station at the far end of the drag strip on the run.”
“I believe everything was exceptional in terms of organisation, marshals, info, support stations etc etc etc. I only have 1 criticism and that is te starting time /s. A 6am or 7am time helps free up a competitors day (selfish I know). Thanks to all.”
“-Easier access for spectators to go the running course. -The wave start clould be adjusted to ensure ar real competion. -The bigest draw back was that you have no idea during the race how you are positioned. -Age groupds should be introduced”
“Very well done event. The best I have done in UAE by far. 1. Too many laps on the bike. Hard to keep track and easy to miscount 2. Nice to have electrolyte drink on the course”
“It's difficult to find improvement suggestions on an event which has clearly been organised by a well-drilled team. Almost everything, from the joining instructions onwards, demonstrated that the organising team really knew their stuff. But with a view to making next year's event even better, let me offer the following... Some isotonic drinks would have been nice, but clearly would've pushed-up the price. The cold showers in the staff quarters were a surprise (I think a marshall may have sent me to the wrong shower facilities). It would've been nice to be able to determine (from number colour perhaps) which starting-wave other people were around you, so you'd know if you were actually racing them. Finally, I kept looking around each pontoon on the final leg of the swim to see where the exit was, which disrupted my swim stroke. It may have been better to indicate the finish with something more clearly visible from the swimmer's position, such as an overhead banner. All in all, however, this really was one of the best organised events I've attended, and I very much look forward to next year's event.”
“Needs kilometers signals on the run leg.”
“Have more aid stations on the course and offer other things than water as well, especially at the finish. Stickers with race number for the race were a pain, especially the stickers you suggested to put on the front and back of your shirt, swimcap. Triathlon involves swimming and none of these stickers will stay on long.”
“Organizers and people who work there were very helpful and supporting. One of them, was guiding me to go from the transition area to start running and spent a good time with me running just to support. The food was not good, I don't eat junk food like Hotdog and softdrinks. Also one sandwich is not enough amount. I prefer to pay for buying a better food than taking such food for free. Playing area can be better for kids as long as this event is on Friday means family day”
“Well done on doing a great job, although there was some mix up with the results at the end. Also I know that safety is your number one priority and that is the main reason why you were sending people in waves, but I wish you could find a way to have a mass start as it would be more competitive and spectator's friendly. Once again thank you and good luck for your next race. I will be there”
“The Gripes: No showers, poor medal, having to count my bike laps (thank god for Garmin), No age group prizes not even age group results, not a lot of support on the course, exit from swim, ramp needs to be longer. Wave starts make for a very long day given that racking was required before 1100. The Good: Swim and Bike courses are superb, first class orginisation, wave starts prevented over crowding especially on the swim, nice area to sit post race, All in all a good event and good first effort, now tweak it and make it even better.”
“Well done- fantastic event!”
“Brilliant organisation. Great SWAG. Great atmosphere. Great course. My only recommendation would be that bike computers are made essential - far too easy to loose track of laps (as we all experienced). Why not arrange that the supporting bike shop sells computers to participants at a discounted rate prior to the race? Thank you so much for the fabulous event!”
“The Event itself was great and the race was a lot of fun - worldclass organization!! I only have a few comments from my side: I find it surprising that the champoinship guys dont show the detailed discipline timings for every competitor - with all the sensors around the track that should easily be possible so that people know their separate timings. the medals looked a bit cheap and it would be great to have medals for each distance (i am only particular about this since I finished the olympic distance for the first time :) ) but i guess it would still be nice the website would be a great platform for competitors to socialize after the event - you guys should host a few pictures there abuot the day and let some of the photographers that were present around the track contribute to that.”
“I was really pleased with the wave starts and the invaluable clear directions given right before we competed. In future, I'd like to see age-groupers get performance-based medals. It was a brilliant event and the organisers deserve a round of applause for pulling off such a stellar inaugural triathlon situated in one of the most beautiful settings in the Middle East.”
“Well done to the whole team! From the Pasta party the night before (tables and chairs next time please) to the prize giving and leaving the venue, almost every detail had been thought of. There was an organiser on hand 'working' the crowd of spectators, who was chatty and well informed - excellent. Also, the organisers catered for families well. The viewing area was perfect for all three disciplines, and no one was too bossy or strict - so families felt welcome and seemed to really enjoy the whole event. The bike course was a touch short, and this very minor criticism could be sorted out for next year. But the swim was a delight, the circuit was a rare treat for cyclists and the flat run course meant PB potential for everyone. Above all well done to all at YAS who performed the more minor, but so important jobs like water stations, registration, marshalling. All done with a smile and a quiet efficiency. This was the best race organised in UAE to date. Much to live up to next year, when the event will sell out very early based on reputation.”
“To the guys at the water booth along the tracks: Thanks a mil!!! Hope this event attracts more spectator attendance the next years, it certainly deserves it. And no, I will not ride on a Mountainbike again, :-) Maybe shower and massage facilities could be provided next time, other than that it was excellent.”
“ -The best organised event I have been to. -Great course. -Plenty of well briefed staff. Improvements for next time: -Put some seating by the kiddies play area. -More competitors might have stayed on longer to use the post race facilities if there had been somewhere too w.ash and change.”
“Very enjoyable experience for a first timer, has definintely encouraged me to continue with the sport, well organised and all marshalls etc very helpful and supportive. ”
“Only feedback and this is constructive - is perhaps in the future there can be showers available afterwards for competitors. Oh and more Tri events at this venue please! :-)”
“Everything was 100% can’t wait for another one at Yas, great venue! To add next year: 1) Have an official camera man taking pictures at the end of the race. 2) I would love to see my times for each stage, but i have only been given my overall time. ”
“I was a little skeptical that the race would be a draft fest and that it woudl feel a lonely expierance. How wrong was I! The race was professionally done and in fact the best organised race I have ever done! Supporters loved it as well. Swim course was neat, the track awesome, and the run had enough out and backs so you could see other competitors.. definelty back next time..lets not wait another 12 months”
“Best course and professional event I have ever done (I did London & Barcelona in 2010). Superb organisation and clever use of the facility. My only negative comment was the late starting times as I would have preferred an early morning start given the wind and the heat.”
“A really well put on race - fantastic! The only thing you could improve would be to make the bike lap splits available. Thanks!”
“Need showers after the event!! Start in the morning next time. ”
“1. the catering was shocking: one food station only for such a big crowd of people starving after the event.... We had to queue for 45 minutes, no more pasta salad, no more fried onions, really bad 2. i almost crashed in the turn at the entrance of the tunnel. It seems there was a warning given at the briefing before the swimmers started, but being the biker in the team competition, we were never told to attend that briefing, which in any case was done outside boundaries for the non swimmers. Anyone in his right mind will never allow such a start to be given, it should be in a straight line and there are plenty of them in Yas Marina 3. we seem to be disqualified because i was wearing the chip around my wrist and not my ankle. Again, in any bicycle race the chip is worn near the ground and the detecting mattrass, but not on the ankle because it hits the pedal shaft. It is either tightened around the front fork or inserted behind the front wheel axle screw. In any case, your marshalls at the start of the bicycle leg should have stopped me when they did not hear the beep sound of the chip going through the gate and corrected its position. After so many weeks of training as a team, I do hope that you take the intermediate time "lost" into account and restore our ranking. Thanks”
“Disapointed. Why did we have to count our own laps. even formula one drivers do not count laps. Lost complete focus on racing more focused on counting laps on cycle. swim course was too many directions. I guess my expectations was too high for this event. look forward to the abu dhabi intl. tri should be more worth my time. Good luck for next year lets see some improvement,”
“My only criticism is the lack of distance markers on teh run - would have been nice to be able to pace myself. Otherwise the best event I've been at in years!”
“This was my first attempt at an Olympic triathlon and I loved this event. The venue was spectacular and organization was superb. The race pack was very useful and helped with those pre race questions us first timers don't like to ask. Look forward to taking part next year. Well done yas tri team!”
“This was my first attempt at an Olympic triathlon and I loved this event. The venue was spectacular and organization was superb. The race pack was very useful and helped with those pre race questions us first timers don't like to ask. Look forward to taking part next year. Well done yas tri team!”
“Food and beverages, especially for spectators sholud be better organized - restaurant in the media centre was "sold out" at 11:00 am. Bike service - cheering staff at the course was 5 stars. Better promotion in the country would attract more spectators.”
“There should have been an offical photographer at the finished line taking pictures of everyone coming in. Water should have been avaiable at the finish. Music should have been one in certain points of the cycle and run course to motivate a push people on. Would have loved to hear "Barbra Stristand" as i was pushing myself up that hill out of tranistion one. Pocari Sweat should have been available or at least a stand selling them. Altogether an extremely satisfying race but need to be a little more inventive with the running section perhaps music again could help or at least supporters!”
“Food and beverages, especially for spectators sholud be better organized - restaurant in the media centre was "sold out" at 11:00 am. Bike service - cheering staff at the course was 5 stars. Better promotion in the country would attract more spectators.”
“Extremely well organised event, even though it was alittle behind schedule.”
“Well done Course, timing, transition. swim course run course all excellent. You must recognise age group winners as well. Even if only published. Age groupers in triathlons are the backbone of the sport and we are very competitive, I know that many people in my age group did not bother competing as there were no age groaup categories. If they are not there next year I to will not compete. To me this was the only downside to a truly superb event. Well done to all concerned. Brian Clarke”
“Great BBQ. How about also doing a super-sprint: 400m swim, 10km bike, 5 km run? This will open up the event to even more people, especially juniors. There'll be more people, but we could have up to 1,000 competitors, just start the phases earlier in the day, round 10am.”
“Abu Dhabi can be proud of this event. Excellent organization and amazing course. ”
“Fantastic organisation. Would have preferred some isotonic drink as well as water and perhaps some nutrition gels (even if the registration fee was a little higher). The Course was great and the spectator viewing areas were spot on except for the finish which was a bit cramped and tucked out of sight. Not sure what the alternative would be though. Bar B Q afterwards was a super touch but maybe expand it for next year. Great day. Martin”
“Had an awesome event, really well organised for competitors. however, my wife and I found the lack of knowledge amongst the event staff with regards to spectator viewing a bit annoying at the start and then found the lack of knowledge about transportation at the end similarly annoying. I did have a great time tho' and these are just minor glitches, so thanks to all who put it together!”
“Great job from the Event Team and especially Megan who spent considerable time and effort making sure myself and my bike got to the airport afterwards in a taxi. Went out of her way and deserves a big thank you.”
“Super job guys. I look forward to next year. My only one not is that the finish line was a bit lacking in atmosphere. It would be nice to have more music and the finish line to be in the middle of the event. ”
“It was my first Triathlon so i was worried about what should happen when etc on the day but, i needn't have worried as the instructions, race pack, staff etc where all very clear, informative and helpful. It was a great venue but I would say that certain parts of the day would have 'felt' better if more spectators had been there (eg there were no spectators on the cycle or run track). But all in all it was a fantastic experience and i'll definately be back next year! ”
“Food was below average and salads were finished by the time i reached the buffet. I was refused to have a soft drinks as well as i gave my tooken to the buffet. Very upsetting when you could kill for food and a drink after a race. ”
“Extremely well organised very enjoyable would like to see energy drink available the water statiion on the bike circuit was on a slight down gradiant which made the pick up differcult (suggest crown of the hill) Swim, would prefer to see dive in start plus time to warm up in water. B/Q was great few more tables and chairs. Overall in was fantastic will look forward to nexts years event special thank to the friendly and helpful marshals”
“Superb event. Well done.”
“Very well organised, great to have Wolfies bike support people there, much appreciated - please tell them THANKS. Great swim course, wet suits not needed and probably shouldn't have been allowed. Bike/run course great for competitors, but a pity that the spectators could not see what was going on. Personally, I hate the loud music that has become a trend at sporting events, sort of copying the basketball I suppose. As a competitor I find it really unsettling, especially in the transition area. If you must play it, don't burst our ear drums - it was like this the Thursday night when we came to register and rack our bikes in particular. A big thanks to the volunteers and for having so many people to help direct and help the competitors.”
“Enjoyed the event, but think the spectator areas where poor. greater access to the cycle event is needed, as spectators were very restricted. If you are going to have an enclosure with changing facilities, more privacy is needed, a garage with people walking past leaves no privacy at all. I was changing when a fellow competitor brought his daughter in the changing area? a little embarrassing for both parties. ”
“First class organisation The YAS structure is Solid as Rock ! Thanks a lot for my first olympic tri ! ”
“The support station on the bike lag should be after the uphill section when the cyclists are slower.”
“The event was extremely well run with the best on course support and prganisation I have experiences, congratulations TriYas for putting on such a world class event. I look forward to your next event.”
“What a great location, good size batches not too big, but not too small; the cyclye was great. Run felt like it was a struggle to find a course and in the end if was manufactured rather than a natural fit, and the finish was squeezed between two buildings. As i was disorganised i walked back to the car several times, which was a loong way. Overall good event well organised in a great location.”
“Wave 10 scheduled start 2.40, actual 3.10 :( BBQ food ran out of green salad - no frest fruit to purchase or available :( Transition area wonderful as only competitors in and out Que's at the only food place (cafeteria) was long and food very limited. Service slow. The number of ablution areas was fantastic!! No que's, clean and stocked with toilet paper. The cycle and the run not really spectator friendly Nice support on the slippery pontune - if possible suggest a pontune with steps To avoid disappointment at the BBQ perhaps boxed lunch an alternative (fruit, muffin, muesli bar, sandwich or salad, chocolate bar, juice, water) - disappointment as in not running out of salad and restricted to one burger or hotdog when earlier diners had both Nice that the presentations were held after the last wave came in Commentary at the start of the swim was lacking The trance/house music was too heavy - felt like I was at a rave. I would have enjoyed something a little more commercial Didn't know which wave was going in the water, therefore what distance they were swimming or age group etc... - a commentator/DJ could have really amped the atmosphere When I checked results it only gave the teams overall time. Will it give us the time for each leg? Marshalls at the transition area were very helpful as was the girl we dealt with at registration The hooter failed at the start of the swim for Wave 10 Parking was fantastic Expected to see more retailers and food stalls. The child friendly activities was great Liked the deep water start Times to come and pick up registration was good ”
“Overall this was a good experience, a few things would have made it perfect: 1. Not running out of food in the cafeteria at 12pm. This is a crucial time for people to be needing to eat if they are going in the later waves. 2. Having distance markers on the run. 3. Having two lines for food after the race... one for competitors (priority) and one for spectators. 4. Having fruit and juice given out up until the last wave... bananas, oranges. 5. More marshals in the transition area to watch for proper procedure of changing over the timing chip and not letting people take ipods out on the course Other than that small list, I think for this being the first time this event has been held it went REALLY well. There was a good energy to the day and a lot of fun was had by all. I look forward to next year already.”
“Suggest an earlier start, more people per wave and less waves.”
“The only slight point was that of the spectator support. Due to the nature of the course it was difficult for supporters to be close to the track. Cordoned spectator areas next to the track may be an idea. ”
“Don't get me wrong. It was a superb event. A formula-1 track is not good for a rather heavy bicyclist, considering all the tight turns and only a few stretches to get the speed up. In general a VERY good show you've put up and the majority is going to love it. I'm just very interested in the bike-part of it, hence the reason I gave you a "bad" grade on the course thing..”
“This was my first ever triathlon and I really enjoyed it. The organisation was very good; all of the support staff were excellent and gave great encouragement to competitors around the course. A big thanks to all those that worked so hard to make the day a success. My family also enjoyed the day out. The Yas Marina Circuit is an ideal venue for a triathlon for both competitors and spectators. I will definitely take part again next year. Thanks!”
“We didn't see our split times before we left and can't see them in the premier site as we didn't have the championship chip?! This is annoying as clearly, this is one of the key things either individuals or the team, would want to see. If the information is held elsewhere, I think could be made clearer. Otherwise a great day, well organises and enjoyable. Would definitely do it again. Thanks ”
“Supurb event and one of the best events if not the best event around except: -Wave 7 onwards delays - this stuffed up fueling and water intake and wrecked race plan. This was unnecessary delay. Delayed start also meant harder cycle run due to wind increasing. Very difficult to compare Sprint to Olmpic times as a result. -Timing - delay in results. Other race categories had race results put up on day and particpants could see their splits. Angry with Premier they are prejudicing Sprint category. Hell, why hold sprint race if made to feel like lesser participant!!! -NO SHOWERS”
“As a newbie I really enjoyed taking part in the race today. What a great venue to experience one's first tri.. I mean Wow! The staff were most helpful, and offered lots of encouragement, which was great. I for one will be back (I may just have to improve on my swim though!!). Thanks to all involved”
“Good: 1. Awesome location 2. Professionally organised 3. Many officials 4. Nice meal at the end 5. Time of day (so Dubai residents can easily attend) Needs to be improved: 1. Marshalling - I didn't know where to go for the start of the race, I assumed it would be near the water. I kept having to look at my watch to know when I needed to start. I expected that I would be able to return to transition at least 10 mins before the race. I've done many triathlons before and never been stopped from entering transition. I understand why but this rule needs to be communicated much better (ie announcements before transition closes). Having clear announcements during the day is essential. Relying on people to have studied all the information on the website beforehand is wishful thinking. 2. Split times should be provided to everyone. We all wore timing chips. Not everyone wants to own their own chip. Keeping the data from us just to encourage people to buy something they don't want is very disappointing. Splits are a small thing to ask for given the scale and cost of the event.”