Tri to contain your excitement, as the brothers who revolutionised triathlon are coming to race in Abu Dhabi. Alex Hammond spoke to them about the upcoming Abu Dhabi Triathlon.
If you’re already lamenting the conclusion of the Olympics, you’ll be pleased to know there’s more glory to bask in this month as reigning Olympic medallists and brothers, Jonathan and Alistair Brownlee, arrive to compete in the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon on March 15.
Jonathan Brownlee
Jonathan Brownlee won bronze at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, was 2012’s Triathlon World Champion and a silver medallist in 2013. At 23, he is the reigning World Sprint Triathlon Champion.
How do you cope with racing in a hot climate like Abu Dhabi?
The UK is getting battered by bad weather at the moment, but we’ve been training in Spain and will do more before arriving in Abu Dhabi to help us acclimatise. We can also use heat chambers, which are basically sweat boxes, to help us adjust to the heat. But really, once you’re fit you can cope with anything.
For you, is there an ideal climate to race in?
Oddly enough, my ideal race weather is about eight degrees and rainy – only because I am used to training in bad weather so it gives me an edge on my competitors. It’s not that I like running in that weather, but everyone else likes it less.
You and Alistair are the biggest names in the sport of triathlon. Is there a sense of responsibility that comes with that?
We were fortunate to have had the Olympics in our home country in 2012, which added to the excitement over our performances. I kind of feel a sense of responsibility but I try not to think about it too much. I love competing in triathlons and I love training for them, and that’s the main thing.
What’s it like training and competing with your brother?
We train together 95 per cent of the time. It’s generally far easier if we train together. But it’s weird competing with a family member. I love having Alistair there, especially before a race, but at the same time we can’t draw, so one of us has to beat the other. But ultimately, it’s like we’re going for it together.
What advice would you give to less experienced triathletes?
Firstly, train! Second, make sure you try your kit before a race. I once put a new seat on my bike right before a race and it snapped off. If you’re serious about a triathlon, train consistently. Don’t do 20 hours one week and five hours the next. You should be training about 15 hours each week rather than one big week and one small week.
Alistair Brownlee
Alistair Brownlee, 25, is the reigning Olympic triathlon champion. He’s also a two-time Triathlon World Champion.
How will you cope with the dramatic change in climate when you come to race in Abu Dhabi?
I’m planning on heading to the UAE a little while before the race. I’ll train in Al Ain for a few days. Other than that, it’s all about hydration and knowing your limits.
Have you ever been to Abu Dhabi?
Yes, actually – I raced last year and I’ve been there on holiday for a few days. I really like it. It’s less than an eight-hour flight from the UK, and you’re guaranteed good weather, so it’s a great place to visit.
Did winning Olympic gold in London change things for you?
At the outset it did, a lot; it makes life a lot busier. There are new commitments that come with winning an Olympic medal. But then you still have to go to the swimming pool and train early in the morning, so you realise that everything is pretty much the same. There are little changes, but the core of your former life is still there.
Would you describe yourself as a celebrity? Who’s the most famous person in your phone book?
I don’t know what the definition of a celebrity is, but I don’t feel like one. Most of the people in my phonebook are athletes. I guess Mo Farah is the most famous.
How long do you think you and Jonathan will continue to dominate triathlon?
I’d love to say another 10 years but you never know. We made the step to being top level seniors really quickly and someone else could come along and do that just as fast.
Who are your biggest rivals?
Francisco Javier Gómez from Spain is a fantastic athlete – he always has been.
What advice do you have for a first-time triathlete?
Well, hopefully you’ve done a bit of training. You can never do enough. At the same time, trust in what you’re doing. Pace yourself, and make sure you eat three to four hours before the race.
Watch Jonathan and Alistair Brownlee compete in the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon from Emirates Palace to the Yas Marina Circuit on March 15 from 6.40am. Visit www.abudhabitriathlon.com for race updates.
