On the eve of the spectacular Ironman 70.3 Dubai, where triathletes will wind through the modern day urban jewel of the Middle East, age groupers and elite pros take it easy and check their bikes into transition. The winds are brisk, threatening the age groupers with choppy seas, with cancellation of the swim a slim possibility that might take away the advantage of the top swimmers. Ambitious pros are hoping to take down the heavy favorites Jan Frodeno and Daniela Ryf. Frodeno‘s focus is split between the race and the imminent birth of his child with wife Emma thousands of miles away, and Ryf is wondering if her indoor training in snowy Switzerland will be enough to hold off fellow Bahrain Endurance 13 teammate Caroline Steffen.
All photographs © Timothy Carlson
Seaside runner sculpture near Ironman 70.3 Dubai start and finish.
Age groupers testing the surf the morning before the race. Some reports warned of 45 kph onshore winds on race day - which might prompt organizers to cancel the swim.
Swim buddies.
Undeterred by choppy waters, this woman prepares for a pre race swim with the iconic Burj Al Arab and the wave-like Jumeirah Beach Hotel in the background.
Daniela Ryf stands tall after last year’s perfect season.
Decorative camels can be found everywhere on the Jumeirah Beach Hotel grounds.
David Plese of Slovenia at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
The legendary Aussie photographer Delly Carr.
Pre race men’s favorite Jan Frodeno poses for a selfie with a fan.
Josh Amberger is back on form after an injury-plagued 2015 season. Look for him in the lead after the swim and on the hunt on the bike.
A kayaker paddling through the swells with the Dubai skyline in the background.
Pro Nick Baldwin of the Seychelles checks in his bike.
Corinne Abraham of Great Britain looks to be in form.
Ewa Komander of Poland.
Mike Schifferle of Switzerland.
Tine Deckers of Belgium adjusts tire pressure.
Celine Schaerer of Switzerland adjusts her helmet.
Pro Brad Williams, one of two U.S. pros in the field.
Terenzo Bozzone of New Zealand, who won Challenge Dubai here last year.
Representing Bahrain - Fouad Saliba, competing in the men’s 70-74, and Myrna Saliba, competing in women’s 60-64.
