The World Triathlon Championship Series opener in Abu Dhabi has been cancelled because of “severe adverse weather” forecast.

The series, which had been due to start on 8 March, is unable to go ahead with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected in the United Arab Emirates.

Team GB’s Beth Potter and Alex Yee were among the athletes due to compete.

“The safety of our athletes is of paramount importance,” a statement from World Triathlon read.

“We do not, at any stage, wish to put our athletes in danger and the forecast adverse weather would have jeopardised the safety of the event.

“This decision has not been taken lightly.”

The announcement came hours before the start of the elite women’s race, which included world champion Potter.

World Triathlon and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council explored hosting Friday’s events in a closed venue.

However, the Crisis and Disaster Management Authority of Abu Dhabi stated all outdoor activities should be cancelled from Friday until Sunday, and that the region should prepare for the adverse weather.

The event in Abu Dhabi was set to be the first WTCS of 2024 and was part of the qualification process for the Olympics in Paris later this year.

It means the qualification process, which has a cut-off date of 27 May, will be condensed to two races in Yokohama, Japan and Cagliari, Italy in May.