Bramhope triathlon stars Alistair and Jonny Brownlee will open their 2014 seasons in the Middle East.

Olympic champion Alistair and Jonny, the 2012 world champion, will compete in the Abu Dhabi Triathlon on March 15. open their seasons in the Emirate on March 15.

Alistair competed in the event for the first time last year and won it.

That success has prompted brother Jonny to enter this time.

“Having watched Alistair’s victory in last year’s event, I knew this was a race that I wanted to do.

“Alistair said the event was something I couldn’t miss out on, especially with the idyllic conditions and iconic course the event offers us.

“It will be a step up in distance for me, which is a challenge, and I think I can adapt to it very well.”

Alistair is looking for a strong start to the year following a tough injury-ridden season which saw him bow out of the ITU World Championships.

He said: ”I loved the experience of competing here last year. It was my first time at the longer distance, and I was nervous going into the event.

“The city offers so much to a Triathlon that it is an event that should be on everybody’s list of ‘must do list’.

“It didn’t take much convincing to get Jonny to come out with me. Obviously I was disappointed with the end of my season, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start 2014 than retaining my title in Abu Dhabi.”