Countdown to the start of the 2025 World Series in Abu Dhabi
The World Triathlon Series (WTCS) are back in style with the first competition of 2025 in Abu Dhabi on February 15 and 16.
Following last year's cancellation due to poor weather conditions, professional triathletes are heading into the race eager to take victory.
New rules in the water
This test will be the first to apply recent cambios announced just a few days ago by World Triathlon.
A regulation with less stringent water quality standards has been approved, in addition to a ban on wearing jewelry or watches during the swimming segment.
All of this will be under the watchful eye of the officials, who will ensure that these new rules are complied with in their official debut.
Favorite
Among the women, the presence of eight German triathletes stands out, led by Lisa Tertsch y Laura Lindemann, both with victories in previous series.
Lindemann took gold in the mixed relay at the Paris Olympics, while Tertsch made a name for herself with a strong run last season.
On the other hand, France will have Leonie Periault y Sandra Dodet, occupying the place left by Cassandre Beaugrand, current champion of the series and Olympic gold in 2024.
Also missing will be prominent names such as Julie Derron, Beth Potter y Emma lombi, absent for personal reasons and calendar.
The Italian representation is getting stronger with Bianca Seregni y Alice Betto, while the American team will have Taylor Spivey, medalist in 2023, already Gwen Jorgensen.
The Spanish will also be in the test Miriam Casillas y Anna Godoy.
Favorites
Also on the list of absentees is the 2023 champion in Abu Dhabi, Alex Yee, gold in Paris and winner of last year's series.
The Briton has decided to focus on the London Marathon. The WTCS runner-up and Paris medallist, Leo Bergere, has stepped aside from the start of the series to participate in the PTO T100 World Tour.
The New Zealander Hayden Wilde, silver medallist at the Paris Games and current winner of the 2024 Grand Final, is the favourite.
Eyes are also on Matthew Hauser (Australia) and in the American Morgan Pearson, who arrives at the event after having achieved a time of 1:01:01 in the half marathon in Houston.
The Spanish will also be in the test Antonio Serrat, David cantero y Roberto Sánchez Mantecón.
The battle is on and there are only a few days left to discover who will shine brightly in the new season.
