The 2025 Chengdu World Games are set to feature another thrilling duathlon action, with the two individual races and the 2x2 mixed relay scheduled for the second week of competition in China. Held at the scenic Xinglong Lake, this year’s course is designed to test the athletes’ versatility with hard and hilly bike courses and flat and technical run segments. With a diverse international field and a mix of seasoned champions and promising newcomers from development countries, the duathlon promises another unforgettable competition.

The elite men’s and women’s duathlon races will take place on back-to-back days, starting Thursday, 14 August with the men at 8am local time and running through to Friday, 15 August at the same time for women. The 2x2 Mixed Relay will close the duathlon program on Sunday, 17 August at 8am.

The course features a 5km flat, fast lake-shore run — perfect for early race momentum — with two laps around Xinglong Lake, nestled within one of the world's largest urban parks. The 30km bike segment includes five laps of a technically demanding, hilly circuit, challenging athletes’ skills and resilience under rising temperatures. The athletes will finish with another 5km run, returning to the lake shore to cross the finish line in front of cheering spectators at the grandstands.

Men's Race Preview:
The men’s competition is open with a top contender in reigning World Champion Benjamin Choquert (FRA), who has found fresh motivation in this year’s shorter format after finishing in second place at the 2024, 2023 World Championships and the 2022 Birmingham World Games. His compatriots, Thomas Laurent and Krilan Le Bihan, are both experienced and fast duathletes with multiple titles, making them serious threats and always dangerous opponents. France's trio has shown great form, and their tactical acumen could play a decisive role in this challenging course.

Another athlete aiming for the victory is Javier Martin Morales from Spain, a former World Champion (2024) and one of the circuit’s fastest runners. Having finished fourth this year at the World Championships despite having raced at home, he’s been honing his skills to adapt to the new format, positioning himself as a strong podium contender.

Belgium's Arnaud Dely, the silver medallist of 2025, has been in Chengdu for the past ten days, working hard to acclimate to the extreme heat conditions. His experience and speed will surely make him one to watch during the race.

On the start list, athletes from five continents will be represented, including newcomers making their debut at the World Games duathlon. These include Mickael Chaumond from Cambodia, Abdulrahman Alghamdi from Saudi Arabia, Albion Ymeri from Kosovo, Bolor-Erdene Enkhtaivan from Mongolia, and Eric Anel Acosta Tuñon from Panama. The diverse lineup reflects the sport’s growing global reach and the exciting new talent coming onto the scene.

Women’s Race Preview:
The women’s race is now more open than ever after the last-minute withdrawal of defending World Champion Marion Legrand (FRA) due to injury. 

One of the main athletes to watch is Maria Varo Zubiri from Spain, who is in excellent form and claimed silver at the 2025 World Championships. Known for her exceptional running, she will undoubtedly be a key factor in the race to the finish. Mexican athlete Anahi Alvarez Corral is another standout, boasting the fastest 5km split of all the women’s competitors. If she can hold her pace on the bike, she could pose a serious challenge for the podium.

Belgium’s Jeanne Dupont and Lisa Isebaert are both consistently fast runners with extensive experience on demanding courses. Their tactical racing and endurance could be decisive. Germany’s Nelly Rassmann, who has podiumed in several longer duathlon formats, will also be worth observing on this shorter, more intense circuit.

Adding to the excitement, several nations will make their debut at the duathlon world stage in the women’s category, including Singapore, with three representatives—Xuan Jie Ng and Man Yun Yong—and local favorites China, fielding Ziqing Lu and Zhengyu Duan. Their participation highlights the event’s expanding global appeal and the emergence of new talent.

2x2 Mixed Relay Preview: 

The 2x2 Mixed Relay at the 2025 Chengdu World Games will feature a total of 20 teams competing for ultimate glory. This exciting new format will see six nations making their debut at this competition at the World Games: China, Colombia, Spain, Germany, Iran, and Slovakia, showcasing the sport’s expanding global reach.

However, the reigning World and World Games champion, France, will not be competing this year following the withdrawal of reigning women’s champion Marion Legrand. This absence creates an open field, increasing the competitiveness of the event and providing a golden opportunity for strong teams like Belgium, Spain, Germany, and China, among others, to seize the victory and etch their names into duathlon history at the World Games.

You can check the full start lists HERE

Watch the competitions LIVE on the World Games website (restrictions might apply in certain countries)