Search
shop

Alistair Brownlee withdraws from ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi

Alistair Brownlee confirms that he will not be racing this week at the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi due to a minor injury.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

This Friday’s start to the 2018 ITU World Triathlon Series season will happen without the racing presence of Alistair Brownlee in Abu Dhabi.

Similar to 2017, we don’t expect to see a full ITU season from Alistair this year as he continues with his racing over the longer distances, but ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi was on the schedule as a key preparation race for the (Sprint distance) Commonwealth Games next month.

After a brilliant return from hip surgery with a dominating victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai in February, Alistair confirmed today that a calf pull will keep him out of racing action this week. It’s quite possible that World Triathlon Leeds will be his only WTS start this season – a race he has won for the past two years.

Another race?

With the Commonwealth Games individual event taking place on Thursday 5th April in the Gold Coast, Australia, that doesn’t leave much time for any pre-Commonwealth Games preparation racing. A quick look at the ITU calendar shows that there is a World Cup race in Mooloolaba (also a Sprint distance), on 10th March which would be an option, injury permitting. Alistair is on the provisional start list for that one.

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Oliver Conway World Triathlon Cuo win Saidia 2025
Breakthrough World Cup win – and Brownlee Racing spot – in memorable week for British youngster
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt
Marjolaine Pierre World Long Distance Triathlon win 2025
World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships 2025 results: Pierre and Benito add second wins
Kristian Blummenfelt wins IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025 results: Blummenfelt defends title on drama-packed day
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...