2 replies to this topic

[Power13]

So there is a bit of a controversy going on right now in the world of triathlon, as it turns out that a professional triathlete was detained in Abu Dhabi earlier this year following an accident on the bike course, where he hit a race volunteer. He recently posted the story in his blog.

http://astarykowicz.blogspot.com/

Lots of people were upset that he was detained as long as he was and seemingly arbitrary nature of the justice system.

More information has come to light this week, as noted in the article below:

http://triathlon.com...abu-dhabi_56392

I find the contrast between his original blog and the true nature of his detention interesting, as he was clearly looking to fan some flames. Although his detention was, IMO, pretty much bullschitt, I do find his actions to be troubling, at least from a moral POV. I would find it very hard to leave someone who was as severely injured as the volunteer was.

Thoughts?

[53 Esquire]

Having been to the UAE and generally enjoyed my time there, I would tell you that you go at your own risk.

[Patched Tube]

Hmm...well the article did say he stayed until medical assistance was on the scene. And he was injured... its hard to know what he was thinking at the time. Moreover, he's in a race and this was race staff: it was not a random accident victim. I once beefed it into the crowd in a race and mounted back up and kept riding for half a lap (if uou ever did the Leontardtown crit you know how that happened! ) and it did not occur to me that there might be a legal issue involved. Under the circumstances I'd say he did what was required and the UAE authorities were out of line. Word to the wise for the race organizers and participants for next year - if there is a next year.