There may be snow on the ground, but the ITU World Series is about to light up in Abu Dhabi with one of the hottest fields ever assembled at an opening round. Britain’s Olympic medal winners, Jonathan Brownlee and Vicky Holland are just two of the stars you can watch on TV on Friday morning. There’s also action on the other side of the world at IRONMAN New Zealand, where Britain’s Joe Skipper and Laura Siddall have realistic hopes of glory.

2018 ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi

If snow prevents you from getting to school, college, work, or anywhere else on Friday morning, then get ready for #WTSAbuDhabi. Coverage starts on the BBC Red Button and online from 9:20am ahead of the men’s race at 9:36am followed by the women at 11:36am.

If you aren’t able to see it live, the BBC One Highlights programme at 1:15pm on Saturday will be worth watching for exclusive interviews and behind the scenes training footage from inside the Leeds heat chamber.

British athletes racing in Abu Dhabi:
Marc Austin, Gordon Benson, Tom Bishop, Jonathan Brownlee
Sophie Coldwell, Vicky Holland, Jess Learmonth, Non Stanford

Full preview HERE. 

IRONMAN New Zealand

Saturday’s IRONMAN New Zealand will test age group and professional athletes to the limits. There are high hopes for Joe Skipper and Laura Siddall, who have both previously finished second on the course in Taupo on the North Island.

Pro Start list HERE

Detailed preview and stats via Tri247 can be found HERE.

Domestic racing

With weather warnings in place, check for race organiser updates if you’re due to be racing at events including the Pembrokeshire Duathlon, Bowhill Duathlon on the Scottish Borders, or the aptly named Frosty Aquathlon on Sunday.

Finally, please consider a donation to Greg James BBC Sport Relief Challenge, which is taking place all week in harsh snow conditions. To donate £5 text GREG to 70205. GO TRI is proudly supporting Sport Relief in getting people moving. To find out more, visit here.