The last day before the 2012 Abu Dhabi Triathlon was busy with athletes getting one more swim in and then it was time already to check-in the race bikes into transition.
Some last minute gear arrived for some and others were sadly still waiting for a small miracle along those lines.
Athletes had time from 9:30 am until 5 pm to check in their bikes and with three separate events running parallel, the transition filled up with a fairly eclectic mix of bicycles. We though focused mostly on a few Pro bikes.
All images © Herbert Krabel /slowtwitch.com
The swim course is well marked, that though does not mean there will be no discussions and questions.
A very confident Andrew Starykowicz at the morning swim.
These competitors from Lebanon will be tackling the 1.5k swim, 100k bike and 10k run short course event.
It appears there is always a smile on the face of Angela Naeth.
It was actually quite busy at swim practice in the morning.
This an is very popular here in Abu Dhabi.
Heather Wurtele and her husband Trevor were stoked that their kits arrived in the nick of time.
The race ready Specialized Shiv Tri of Nikki Butterfield.
Fraser Cartmell was one of the first guys to rack his Trek Speed Concept.
The Argon 18 of Luke Bell.
Rasmus Henning also has a red one of these machines.
This will most ikely be the last race for Caroline Steffen on the Cervelo P4, as she should be receiving her Cervelo P5 any day now.
We'll be curious to see how fast Jodie Swallow will move this Storck Aero 2.
This red Shiv belongs to Melissa Rollison who is considered one of the favorites here.
Andrew Starykowicz chatted with 2 first time triathletes who will be competing in the Sprint race. The guy on the right will most likely become part of our random age group interviews.
More triathletes were arriving late in the afternoon with Clayton Fettell leading the charge.
Clsyton Fettell looks very confident and fit.
The defending champion Frederik Van Lierde checked in his bike towards the end.
There are quite a few competitors from the region here.
Directions are appreciated everywhere.
