The 2016 ITU World Triathlon Series begins tomorrow in Abu Dhabi. The first of nine rounds, which finishes in Mexico in September, features Britain’s Helen Jenkins, Jodie Stimpson, Adam Bowden and Tom Bishop.

Defending ITU World Champions, Javier Gomez and Gwen Jorgensen aren’t contesting this round. Athletes need to perform well in five rounds, plus the Grand Final to be in the running for the world titles.

With Rio the key focus for most this year, the ITU World Series plays a vital role in preparation, gaining ranking points and national Olympic selections.

Jenkins and Stimpson will test their legs ahead selections being considered for Olympic selection at the next round on the Gold Coast (9-10 April). There is one remaining women’s slot in the British team for Rio. Bishop and Bowden will also use Abu Dhabi as part of their preparations for focus races later in the season.

The race starts with a 1500m sea swim at the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club, followed by a 40km bike ride and 10km run. The races will be available live on the BBC Red Button from 9am on Saturday 5 March, see below for full listings.

British Triathlon has pre selected four athletes for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. They will be nominated to TeamGB in May. Non Stanford and Vicky Holland met the automatic selection criteria, and Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee have also been selected.

GB athletes racing in Abu Dhabi: 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run:

Helen Jenkins, 31 from Bridgend
Jodie Stimpson, 27 from Oldbury, West Midlands

Tom Bishop, 24 from Derby (trains in Leeds)
Adam Bowden, 33 from Watford (trains in Loughborough)

Viewing details:

Saturday 5 March
Men’s race LIVE BBC Red Button & online & via triathlonlive.tv 9am-11.20am
Women’s race LIVE BBC Red Button & online& via triathlonlive.tv 12pm-2.20pm

Sunday 6 March
Men’s and Women’s highlights BBC2 1-2pm
Men’s and Women’s highlights BBC2 Scotland 7-8pm