WTCS Abu Dhabi cancelled

There was disappointing news for the triathletes and Para triathletes gathered in Abu Dhabi for this weekend’s World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) and Para Cup races – organizers were forced to cancel the event due to severe storms.

“It is with the utmost regret that we inform you that the WTCS Abu Dhabi races have been cancelled,” said World Triathlon in a statement. “As you can imagine, this decision has not been taken lightly, but it is the result of discussions between the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and World Triathlon after severe storms have been forecast to hit the region that have impacted the staging of the event.”

The news will have huge ramifications for athletes who are trying to earn valuable qualifying points for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics this summer.

Americas Triathlon Championships

That is especially true for the American women who are clamouring to gain entry to the final American qualifying event at WTCS Yokohama in May. Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist (individual, silver as part of the mixed relay) Katie Zaferes is in Miami trying to move her way up in the rankings to be on the start list for Yokohama, as is her countrywoman Gina Sereno. Today’s race will now offer even more valuable points as another of the women looking to be in the mix in Yokohama, Rio gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen, is in Abu Dhabi.