If you thought Abu Dhabi was all about skyscrapers and luxury shopping, think again! This weekend, the capital was all about sweat, speed, and serious endurance as the Modon World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi powered by TAQA took over Al Hudayriyat Island. And let’s be honest—watching these elite athletes push their limits made most of us feel guilty about skipping leg day.
Elite Performances & Podium Party
New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde and Germany’s Lisa Tertsch took the triathlon world by storm, crossing the finish line first in their respective Elite races. Wilde, who clearly has a turbo mode the rest of us can only dream of, outpaced Australia’s Matt Hauser and Portugal’s Vasco Vilaca in a nail-biting finish. Meanwhile, Germany decided to keep all the Elite Women’s podium spots for themselves, with Tertsch leading a national sweep alongside teammates Nina Eim and Laura Lindemann. Talk about teamwork!
The Ultimate Triathlon Takeover
In its tenth edition, this championship didn’t just feature elite athletes—it was a full-blown festival of fitness. Nearly 1,400 competitors, including community athletes, para-triathletes, and kids, lined up to test their endurance under Abu Dhabi’s blue skies. With 32 nationalities in action, the event was like the United Nations—only with more sweat and fewer speeches.
The Para World Cup races saw inspiring victories, with Clivenne Tjenderasa bringing glory to the UAE in the women’s race and Saifuldin Said making Egypt proud in the men’s category. And let’s not forget the future stars—120 kids (aged 9-11) charged through the course, proving that triathlon is in safe (and very speedy) hands. New Zealand’s Atalia Baker and Austria’s Ben Hoehn grabbed top spots, possibly setting the stage for future world champions.
From Weekend Warriors to Future Pros
Sunday turned into a triathlon carnival, with over 1,000 amateur athletes taking on the same course as the pros. Whether they were chasing personal bests or just hoping to cross the finish line without collapsing, every participant was cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd at the Fan Village. The event also featured sprint and super-sprint races for younger athletes (12-15 years old), because apparently, endurance has no age limit.
And just when you thought the adrenaline rush was over, Team Germany swooped in to claim the Elite Mixed Relay win. Selina Klamt, Jan Diener, Tanja Neubert, and Henry Graf proved that teamwork really does make the dream work, bringing the weekend’s action to a thrilling close.
Athletes Speak: Sweat, Strategy, and Sprints
Hayden Wilde summed up his victory with a laid-back Kiwi attitude: “I just went out there and had a bit of fun. I’ve been here for weeks, and they welcomed me with open arms. I’ve just been loving it.” But don’t let his chill demeanor fool you—he knew Matt Hauser was right on his heels and had to dig deep to hold onto the lead.
Lisa Tertsch, meanwhile, credited her laser-sharp focus: “I’m happy with my execution—I prepared well and stuck to my plan. Knowing I was number one, I had to trust my position. I told myself, ‘I can swim fast on my own, so I’ll do it.’” And she did—flawlessly!
Beyond the Finish Line: A Celebration of Sport
Triathlon is more than just racing; it’s about bringing communities together. Hundreds of friends, families, and fans gathered at the Fan Village to soak in the action, enjoy entertainment, and cheer on their loved ones. The event’s impact wasn’t lost on the organizers either. Talal Al Hashemi of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council highlighted how the championship not only showcased world-class athletes but also inspired local communities to embrace the sport.
Bill O’Regan, CEO of Modon, was thrilled to see Hudayriyat Island play host to the event, especially with its beachfront start and state-of-the-art cycling and running tracks. And TAQA’s CEO, Jasim Husain Thabet, perfectly captured the essence of the event: “This championship unites local, regional, and global sporting communities in a celebration of athletic excellence and resilience.”
See You Next Year, Triathlon Fans!
As the final medals were awarded and the last athletes crossed the finish line, one thing was clear—Abu Dhabi isn’t just a world-class triathlon host; it’s a city that embraces the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and pushing boundaries. So whether you’re an aspiring triathlete or just someone who enjoys a good sports spectacle, keep this event on your radar. Who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll be the one racing to the finish line!
