The world’s best long-distance triathletes set for battle in Pontevedra
The world’s top long-distance triathletes are set to converge in Galicia for the 2025 World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships on Sunday 29th June, a premier event within the World Triathlon Multisport Championships Pontevedra, Spain.
The Elite Long-Distance Championships race will test athletes over a 3km swim, 120km bike, and 30km run format. With the historic city of Pontevedra once again opening its arms to the global multisport community, fans can expect an unforgettable display of world-class racing.
Pontevedra holds a special place in triathlon history, it is the hometown of five-time World Triathlon champion Javier Gómez Noya, who famously claimed the Long-Distance world title here in 2019. If the atmosphere from that race is anything to go by, with the streets lined with passionate supporters, this year’s event is sure to be another spectacular occasion.
The 2025 start list features an impressive line-up of contenders.
ELITE MEN'S PREVIEW
In the men’s field, local favourite and reigning champion Antonio Benito López (ESP) will be looking to impress on home soil, with strong competition from Louis Naeyaert (BEL), Josh Amberger (AUS) and a deep international field ready to race hard for the world title.
Spain’s Benito is a two-time European middle-distance champ, IRONMAN Champion and holds the 2024 World Triathlon Long-Distance title and one to watch come Sunday.
Naeyaert will prove fierce competition for Benito. Naeyaert is one of Belgium’s top long-distance triathletes, a European middle-distance champion and 2024 World Long-Distance bronze medallist.
Amberger is a standout Australian triathlete known for his lightning swim and bike combination. Amberger won silver in the 2017 Long Distance World Championships held in Penticton, Canada and has since gone on to earn titles and step on multiple middle and long distance race podiums. If Amberger is on form, he’ll be the one to watch and the man to chase on Sunday.
Review the men's start list.
ELITE WOMEN'S PREVIEW
In the women’s field Charlène Clavel (FRA), Marjolaine Pierre (FRA), Marta Lagownik (POL) are marked as firm favourites, expected to challenge for the podium, each bringing world-class credentials and recent top performances.
Italy’s Marta Bernardi, silver medallist recently claimed victory in the the 2025 Europe Triathlon Middle Distance Championships Navarra-Pamplona could also be a medal contender on Sunday.
Reigning champion Clavel returns to defend her title in the women’s race. Clavel won the 2024 World Triathlon Long Distance Championship, earning gold in Townsville, Australia. Clavel has rapidly become France's long-distance star, with wins including the 2024 French Long-Distance title and strong finishes in IRONMAN 70.3 races.
Pierré (FRA), 2023 World Long-Distance Champion and the French long-distance star won the title in Ibiza. That day marked a historic golden double for France as Pierré claimed the women’s title while her partner, Clément Mignon, secured the men's crown. She has continued her momentum with victories at IRONMAN Portugal in 2023, IRONMAN 70.3 Pays d’Aix in 2025 and a standout 4th place at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championships in Nice. Expect Pierré to be a major threat in Pontevedra as she targets another world championship medal.
Poland’s Marta Łagownik, who skyrocketed to the podium with a silver at the 2024 World Long Distance Triathlon in Townsville, has since dominated Challenge Gran Canaria, with back to back wins in 2024 and 2025, could also prove a threat to the field on Sunday.
Review the women's start list.
World Triathlon President Antonio F. Arimany expressed his excitement ahead of the Championships.
“Pontevedra is a true home of triathlon and multisport and to return here for the Long-Distance World Championships is something very special. The support from the local community, the legacy of athletes like Javier Gómez and the level of talent on the start line all point to an extraordinary race.”
The Long-Distance World Championships are a highlight of the 10-day Multisport celebration, uniting thousands of athletes from around the world,” said Mr. Arimany.
Live timing of tomorrow’s race can be found here.
There will be a livestream on TriathlonLive.tv without commentary.
