Four stacked days of World Championship racing in the Galician city of Pontevedra was officially opened on Wednesday afternoon, 23 September, where a bumper gathering of 4650 athletes from 62 nations will race across Elite, Elite Para, U23, Junior and Age Group sprint and Olympic distance categories, as well as relays at Jr-U23, Para and Age Group.
The streets swelled with the traditional Parade of Nations on Wednesday afternoon, as the countries lined up before streaming towards Plaza de Espanha stage for the opening ceremony. Beverly Childs (GBR) gave the Athlete Oath, as she marked a special 25th World Championships appearance with the honour.
“We are delighted to be back in Pontevedra for the 2026 World Triathlon Championship Finals,” said Antonio F. Arimany, World Triathlon President. “To see the Age Group community united once again in such numbers underlines the continued growth our great sport and the people who love it.”
“That we can all come together and watch the very best in the world from the Junior, U23, Elite and Para Elite in action as they chase the biggest prizes in the sport is always a special occasion, and Pontevedra is ready to provide a magnificent stage for the action.”
The Juniors get the action underway on Thursday morning, followed by an afternoon of Age Group Sprint action. On Friday it’s the turn of the Para Triathlon Worlds and U23s, before Saturday’s Olympic Distance and Aquabike Age Group. From there, Saturday is given over to the women’s World Championship decider headed up by Cassandre Beaugrand, Beth Potter and Tilda Mansson.
Sunday morning delivers Mixed Relay fever from the Para, Junior-U23 and Age Group, and then at 6pm on Sunday afternoon, Vasco Vilaça, Matt Hauser, Ricardo Batista, Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde headline a blockbusting men’s race to wrap up the weekend.
Tune in on to the action on TriathlonLive and YouTube
