The 2026 European Triathlon Cup in Torremolinos, Spain, opened with an unexpected twist, as safety concerns over water quality forced organisers to cancel the swimming segment and convert the event into a duathlon.
Instead of the traditional swim-bike-run format, athletes tackled a demanding course consisting of a 2.5 km run, 20 km cycle, and a final 5 km run. The change created a more intense and fast-paced race, favoring competitors with strong running and cycling abilities.
A Format Shift That Changed the Race
With no swim to spread the field early, races were aggressive from the outset. Athletes had less room for strategy, leading to tighter competition and faster overall pacing. The adapted format also reshaped expectations, as some pre-race favorites had to adjust quickly to the new conditions.
Elite Races Deliver Close Finishes
In the elite women’s race, France’s Ambre Grasset claimed victory in a dramatic sprint finish. Austria’s Carina Reicht secured silver after a photo finish, while Switzerland’s Anouk Danna took bronze.
The elite men’s race saw another strong showing from France, with Louis Vitiello leading a one-two finish ahead of teammate Tristan Douche. Germany’s Jaspar Ortfield rounded out the podium. Several athletes narrowly missed out on medals after strong late surges, highlighting the competitiveness of the field.
Rising Talent Shines in Junior Events
The junior competitions showcased emerging talent from across Europe. In the women’s race, France’s Rosalie Gallant took gold in a tightly contested finish, with Spain’s Candela Sánchez just behind in second place. Israel’s Adar Haya completed the podium.
The junior men’s race delivered sucess for the host country, as Spain’s Xavi Cabanilles edged out teammate Damián Suárez in the final stretch. Slovakia’s Dominik Ivaničk secured third place.
Full race results can be found here: