The 2026 World Triathlon Championship Series promises a season of intense competition, marked by the introduction of Olympic qualification points and the defense of reigning champions Lisa Tertsch and Matt Hauser. The ten-race series, culminating in the Championship Finals in Pontevedra, Spain, will see athletes vying for world titles and coveted spots at the LA28 Olympics.
Early Season Tests in Abu Dhabi and Samarkand
The season kicks off with a sprint and mixed relay event in in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Last year’s debut on Hudayriyat Island proved a challenging opener, with Hayden Wilde dominating the men’s race and Tertsch setting the tone for her successful season with a gold medal. Tertsch, having competed in every WTCS race in 2025, will likely return to defend her title in the UAE heat.
The series then moves to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on , marking the city’s first time hosting a WTCS event. The Olympic-distance course, set against the backdrop of the ancient Silk Road, presents a hard, flat challenge with limited shade, where David Cantero previously recorded a notable 10km run time of 30:19.
European Swing: Yokohama, Alghero, and Quiberon
The European leg begins in Yokohama, Japan, on . This will be the 16th time the city has hosted a top-tier triathlon race. Hauser and Leonie Periault will aim to recapture their winning form from the previous year. The course features a two-lap swim in the harbor, a ten-lap bike course, and a four-lap run. The unpredictable May weather in Tokyo adds another layer of complexity to the race, with Gwen Jorgensen holding an impressive record of four Yokohama golds.
Next, the series heads to Alghero, Italy, on , offering a sprint distance race and a mixed relay event. This stop is particularly significant as it marks the start of Olympic qualification point accumulation. Last year’s race saw Miguel Hidalgo secure Brazil’s first top-tier win in 34 years, while Cassandre Beaugrand dominated the women’s race after recovering from a bike crash in Yokohama.
The French leg of the series moves to Quiberon, Brittany, on . The sprint distance course features a beach start and rolling climbs, promising a challenging race for athletes and a strong showing from the French team.
Mid-Season Momentum: Hamburg and London
Hamburg, Germany, on , will host both a sprint distance race and the Mixed Relay World Championships. Matt Hauser enjoyed success in Hamburg last year, winning the individual gold and anchoring Australia to their first Mixed Relay world title in eight years. The city’s enthusiastic crowds create a unique atmosphere for the athletes.
A decade after its last WTCS event, London returns to the calendar on , moving to the Docklands area. Alex Yee, a local favorite, has expressed his excitement about racing in his home city, and will be looking for a strong performance in front of a home crowd.
Final Push: Weihai, Karlovy Vary, and Pontevedra
The penultimate stop before the Championship Finals is Weihai, China, on . The Olympic-distance course promises a thrilling race as athletes battle for crucial points. Last year’s race saw Max Studer and Beth Potter emerge victorious.
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, on , hosts the final regular season event. The technical swim and challenging bike course, featuring climbs and cobblestones, will test the athletes’ endurance and skills.
The season culminates in Pontevedra, Spain, on , with the Championship Finals. The course, featuring a swim under the Tirantes Bridge, a new-look bike course through the historic city center, and a challenging run through the athletics stadium, will determine the 2026 world champions. The 2023 Finals were dramatic, with Dorian Coninx and Beth Potter securing unexpected victories.
The 2026 World Triathlon Championship Series is poised to be a blockbuster season, with the added incentive of Olympic qualification and the return of familiar faces to the forefront of the sport. Fans can follow every minute of the action on TriathlonLive.tv.
