Flora Duffy ‘Crashes Out’ Of Abu Dhabi Triathlon
[Updated] World Champion Flora Duffy is set to race in Abu Dhabi on Friday [March 2], with nine of the top ten women in triathlon set to line-up in what is being billed as “one of the most competitive races in ITU history.”
The Triathon.org report said, “For the fourth consecutive year, Abu Dhabi will find itself the focus of world triathlon attentions as it kicks off the ITU World Triathlon Series season on March 2. To the delight of triathlon fans around the globe, nine of the top ten women in triathlon will line-up in the amazing Yas Marina circuit in one of the most competitive races in ITU history.
“The world-class field is set to tackle a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run on Friday, March 2, to kick off the 2018 season. A season that will feature stops in Bermuda, Yokohama, Leeds, Hamburg, Edmonton and Montreal before wrapping up in September with the Grand Final in the Gold Coast. Not to mention a season that will mark the start of the road to Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with the qualifying period starting in May 2018.
“Wearing the golden number one in WTS Abu Dhabi will be double World Champion Flora Duffy [BER]. After a stunning 2017 season that saw her on top of the WTS podium in six out of nine races, the Bermudian superstar is looking forward to making her debut on the iconic Yas Island course.
“I was disappointed to miss the Abu Dhabi race last year due to an injury,” said Duffy. “I’ve heard a ton of great things about Yas Island course so I can’t wait to tackle it – especially the bike course which looks like it’s really suited to my aggressive style of racing,” said Duffy, who has made a name for herself as one of the strongest cyclists in the field.
“The Women’s elite athletes will take the stage in WTS Abu Dhabi on Friday, March 2, at 13.22 local time.”
Update March 2, 9.09am: After rain made for a slick bike course at the event, Flora Duffy crashed and pulled out of the race.
In a tweet, Ms. Duffy said, “Crashed out. I’m fine. Super slick course. So disappointed.”
Update March 2, 12.54pm: Ms. Duffy tweeted the photo below, saying: “Well I suppose I had to crash out of a race at some point! Super sad not to finish especially as I was feeling so good. Good news- I’m ok. My bike was a little messed up hence why I couldn’t continue. Thinking of everyone else who went down!!”
Good luck to Flora….Bermuda will be cheering you on!
Good news is you are ok.
Bad news is you could not finish.
All the best.
Go Flora!!