The 2026 World Triathlon Cup season officially kicks off this weekend with a historic first as the circuit makes its long-awaited debut on the volcanic island of Lanzarote. While the island has long been a legendary training sanctuary for the sport's elite, this event marks the first time its world-class landscapes will host a World Cup start. As the season opener, the race in Costa Teguise serves as the ultimate test for athletes' winter training, setting a high bar for the rest of the year’s global campaign.
Athletes will face a high-octane sprint-distance challenge starting at the protected bay of Playa de las Cucharas. The competition begins with a single 750m swim lap in crystal-clear Atlantic waters, followed by a fast and technical 21km bike course consisting of three laps. The finale takes place on a flat, scenic 5km run across two laps along the coastal promenade. While the course is predominantly flat, Lanzarote’s signature winds can quickly turn a tactical race into a test of raw power and resilience.
All eyes will be on David Cantero Del Campo (ESP), who wears the number one start bib this weekend. Cantero enters the 2026 season following a sensational 2025 campaign, which saw him cement his status as a world-class contender. His breakout year was capped by a historic first-ever podium at the World Triathlon Championship Finals, alongside a string of podium finishes in the season's final World Cups. Racing on home soil, the young Spaniard will look to carry that momentum into Lanzarote and secure another gold to start his year.
Joining him as a major Spanish contender is the young Izan Edo Aguilar. After a series of excellent results on the World Cup circuit last year, Edo has established himself as one of the fastest athletes in the field, making him a dangerous threat if the race comes down to a footrace on the promenade.
The international field is bolstered by the return of some major stars. The French squad arrives with immense depth, led by former World Champion Dorian Coninx (FRA), who starts with number two. Also lining up on Saturday in Lanzarote will be Tim Hellwig (GER), the Paris 2024 mixed relay gold medalist, who returns to the blue carpet after an injury-plagued 2025 season and will be eager to reclaim his spot at the top. Also looking to make an impact will be Ben Dijkstra, the former junior standout now competing under the World Triathlon flag, who brings a wealth of experience and previous podium pedigree to the start line.
Coninx will be flanked by a powerhouse roster including Nathan Grayel, Tom Richard, and Igor Dupuis, making France a dominant force in the transition area. Meanwhile, Great Britain brings high-caliber threats in Max Stapley and Harry Leleu, both of whom have shown they can compete for the top spots on any given day.
Additionally, the rising Greek star Panagiotis Bitados, who has consistently impressed with his swim-bike aggression, remains a dark horse to watch for the podium.
The international field is further bolstered by stars like Kenji Nener (JPN), Jawad Abdelmoula (MAR), and Seth Rider (USA), each bringing significant experience from the Olympic and World Series levels.
Spain also boasts a formidable lineup to support Cantero, featuring veteran talent such as Roberto Sanchez Mantecon, Antonio Serrat Seoane, or Genis Grau.
Check HERE the full start list and watch the event on TriathlonLIVE.tv