Second year running, the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is such a great race to shoot. The word Triathlon is slightly understated…3km swim, 200km bike and 20km run – making it event that should be listed as an Ironman. This year’s racing conditions were unreal, had friends racing and they all suffered badly; heavy winds, crazy high temperatures, exposed roads and boiling tarmac. It was a true though race.
Fortunate for me the temperature was manageable. It’s all a different world when you’re hanging out of a helicopter… Five hours airtime! We had our CID friend in the chopper with us again, more chilled this year! Last year his colleague wanted to check all my 5,000+ images.
Tried something different this year, shooting tight panning shots of cyclists from the moving chopper. Shutter at 1/30, my 400m lens with 1,4 extender shooting on a Canon 1d and handheld. A combination that is difficult to get right, bagged a few good ones so pleased with that.
A big bow to all the 675 athletes making it to the starting line, getting there is harder than race day. Eneko (first male) & Julie (first female) well done on taking home the victory medal, beating the other 525 great athletes who crossed the finish line after you.
Wk.
