On Saturday March 2, 2013 some of the top pro triathletes in the world were on hand to battle it out for top spot in the Abu Dhabi Triathlon.
Eneko Llanos of Spain was looking to improve on his 2012 third place finish.
However, going into the race there were several elite men who were quite capable of taking the top spot.
Although Rasmus Henning and Faris Al-Sultan, who finished first and second respectively in 2012 were not entered in the 2013 edition, there was plenty of competition for the top spots on the podium.
Bart Aernouts, Chris McCormack, Philip Graves, Andi Boecherer, and Frederick Van Lierde were all expected to play major roles in the race.
The women's elite field promised some compelling racing as several of the top pro female triathletes in the world were entered in the race.
Nikki Butterfield was the 2012 winner and in order to repeat she would have to get past Melissa Hauschildt, Caroline Steffen, and Joanna Lawn.
Frederick Van Lierde proved the best on this day and is the 2013 Abu Dhabi Triathlon champion. Eneko Llanos of Spain had another great race with a second place finish, one better than his third placing from 2012.
Tyler Butterfield had a strong performance as he edged out Bart Aernouts for third.
For the female elite athletes it was Melissa Hauschildt adding another huge victory to her amazing professional Ironman resume'. Caroline Steffen put up a huge battle but could not quite run down Hauschildt.
Michelle Vesterby of Denmark rounded out the podium for the women.
The Abu Dhabi Triathlon features one of the biggest triathlon prize pools the world.
In total there was $230,000 up for grabs with $50,000 going to the male and female elite winners.
For a look at how the race unfolded and all the top elite finisher results visit IronStruck.com
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