Marathon swimmers set for World Cup test

In what promises to be one of the most challenging and competitive events on the calendar, the British squad of five face their first competition of the year on Saturday in Emirates Palace Bay.

The event will provide a perfectly timed test for British Swimming Marathon Lead Bernie Dietzig as his group continues to work towards this year’s World Championships in July.

“It’s our first World Cup of the year and it looks like it will be one of the strongest fields our athletes will face aside from what we will see at the World Championships in Budapest,” said Dietzig.

“There will likely be around 80 male and 70 female starters this weekend which is a huge pack for an early season World Cup. This is something our athletes will need to overcome and will be a good test.

“This event fits into our calendar well in terms of our lead into the World Championships and I am excited to see how our athletes perform. It’ll be good to see where we are against some of the world’s best athletes.”

The majority of the British squad goes into the event off the back of a tough training camp but will be looking to see the benefits of their hard work.

“Our athletes are in good shape and three have been on an altitude camp in preparation for this event,” said Dietzig. “It has been a long time since we have raced but this will provide a solid foundation for the four years ahead.

“It will also be good to see Toby Robinson back racing. He has worked hard to come back from a year of illness and this event will be his first competitive outing.”

The Abu Dhabi leg of the FINA/HOSA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup takes place on Saturday 11 March.

The British squad comprises:

Jack Burnell - National Centre Loughborough

Alice Dearing - National Centre Loughborough

Caleb Hughes - National Centre Loughborough

Danielle Huskisson – University of Stirling

Toby Robinson - National Centre Loughborough