This afternoon around 1000 athletes checked in their bikes for the inaugural Challenge Dubai and we were there to see who came and what they brought. Among the first pros to check-in were Tim Reed and Brad Kahlefeldt, and among the last check-ins were Javier Gomez and Eneko Llanos.

Heather Wurtele was very focused as she went over her bike after she racked it.

Tim Reed has bib number 3 here in Dubai and is considered one of the favorites. He chatted here with Will Clarke.

Brad Kahlefeldt is flying a bit under the radar here.

This early arriving age grouper had a long chat with one of the Challenge Dubai race officials.

Markus Fachbach showed the volunteers that his brakes were functioning indeed.

Annabel Luxford documented her bike check-in and we documented her.

Luxford rides a small Scott with a flat stem, and that does not allow the fit of the front hydration system.

When Leanda Cave checked her bike in she was surrounded by paparazzi.

Brazilian pro Igor Amorelli also did some documenting before leaving the transition.

Camilla Pedersen made sure her helmet was not going anywhere in case the wind really picked up.

Jodie Swallow tire was scuffed from her final trainer ride and James Cunnama offered kind assistance. Swallow actually was not dismayed by Cunnama's tire skills, she merely stroked her hair.

These 2 age groupers came to transition with the bikes still in the bike cases, and they were turned back.They returned 30 minutes later with just the bikes.

As the evening hours came around, the check-in are got busier.

Daniela Ryf's Felt IA will likely be somewhere near the front of the race.

Bart Aernouts shared a laugh with the volunteers as he brought his gear into transition.

Anja Beranek covered her drive train with a towel, likely so that sand would not get on it.

Meredith Kessler showed us the super light Saucony Endorphin shoe.

The BMC of Helle Frederiksen now rests for the night before springing into action tomorrow.

Michael Raelert had a long chat with these volunteers before finally getting off his feet.

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who went 4:21 at Challenge Bahrain will do the Dubai event with Ghanim who was born without a lower torso.