Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee will start next season at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon as he looks to expand his horizons both geograph ically and competitively.

The event in March consists of a 1.5km swim, a 100km bike ride and a 10km run.

After a trip to the United Arab Emirates, the 24-year-old said that preparing for the warm Arabian temper- atures would be a key factor in his winter training.

“I’ll be in the UK through the winter, where it will be freezing, so coming to Abu Dhabi will be a 30-degree temperature shift, and that is a big factor”, said the Bingley Harrier.

“I’ll need to change my training to suit that. I'll be doing some sessions in a heat chamber and I’ll try to get away before the event to help acclimatise.

“I’ll be setting up my bike differently to deal with the length as that has a major role to play in my success."

The former Bradford Grammar School pupil added: “I’m used to biking 40km, so going up to 100km for Abu Dhabi will also be a challenge and is one I am looking forward to, especially as it goes around the Grand Prix track at Yas Marina Circuit.

“I want to start expanding my competitions to include other distances, and Abu Dhabi is part of that.”