The 2025 World Triathlon Multisport Championships have officially commenced in Pontevedra, Spain, launched in spectacular style with a Parade of Nations and a magical Opening Ceremony in the heart of Pontevedra’s Plaza de España.
The Parade of Nations filled the streets of Pontevedra with colour, national pride and energy, as thousands of athletes from 44 countries marched together in a spectacular show of unity. Draped in national flags and team colours, athletes proudly represented their nations, cheered on by locals lining the route.
Tonight’s Opening Ceremony captivated the crowd with “Augas de Lenda”, an awe-inspiring 360-degree theatrical production by renowned Galician director Pablo Méndez, inspired by local mythology and featuring performers from Cirque du Soleil.
Among the crowd were multisport icons Javier Gómez Noya, Pablo Dapena and Mario Mola, all lending their support and celebrating the spirit of the sport in one of its most iconic host cities.
More than 3,500 race starts are expected across 10 days of racing, as athletes from 44 National Federations unite in a vibrant celebration of multisport. The largest delegations hail from Great Britain, Spain and the United States, with passionate teams ready to chase world titles across a diverse range of disciplines. The field includes 25 competitors racing five or more events in pursuit of the coveted Multisport Legend title. With a field comprising 69% men and 31% women, the Championships highlight the increasing diversity of the global multisport community.
The ceremony was officially opened by dignitaries including:
Antonio Fernández Arimany, President of World Triathlon
José Hidalgo, President of the Spanish Triathlon Federation
Miguel Anxo Fernández Lores, Mayor of Pontevedra
Diego Calvo, Minister of Presidency, Justice and Sport of the Xunta de Galicia
Technical Officials: Michael Chui (CAN) and Pablo Cabanelas Eiras (ESP)
Coaches: Shizuka Kutsuna (JPN) and Jaime Izquierdo (ESP)
Rafael Domínguez: Vice President of the Pontevedra Deputation
Athletes oath: Marina Muñoz (ESP) & Nancy Godall (CAN)
Antonio Fernández Arimany, President of World Triathlon, said:
“It is a tremendous honour to welcome you all to Pontevedra for the 2025 World Triathlon Multisport Championships.
Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the city of Pontevedra. This city is forever linked with triathlon, having hosted the 2019 World Multisport Championships where our hometown hero, Javier Gómez Noya, secured his iconic long-distance victory right here in his town. It was also in Pontevedra in 2023 that Beth Potter and Dorian Coninx were crowned world champions. And now, we are back, reaffirming this city’s reputation as one of the truly special places in our sport. And we cannot forget that next year the city will host the World Championships once again, becoming the most legendary host city for triathlon.”
Racing gets underway tomorrow, with a stacked schedule across the 10-days featuring:
Duathlon Sprint
Duathlon Standard
Cross Duathlon
Cross Triathlon
Aquathlon
Aquabike
Long Distance Triathlon
Follow the full schedule and review the race courses online.
The stage is set for a spectacular week of world-class competition, as Pontevedra once again proves why it is a true home of Multisport.