The World Triathlon Executive Board has officially approved the 2026 Development Plans and Budgets for the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, following its first virtual meeting of the year on 28 January. These plans aim to strengthen pathways for athletes, coaches, technical officials, and Para triathletes, while also building capacity, increasing growth, and supporting performance development.
In the Americas, the 2026 plan focuses on expanding education, regional competitions, and athlete programs. Technical officials will have the opportunity to participate in Level 2 seminars conducted in both English and Spanish, while coaches will benefit from a combination of online and face-to-face Level 2 courses, as well as targeted coaching clinics linked to the Salinas Development Regional Cup in Puerto Rico. Across the continent, six Development Regional Cup events are scheduled, including competitions in Argentina and Uruguay in South America, Guatemala and Costa Rica in Central America, and Barbados and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. Athlete development remains a priority, with two Team Americas events and a dedicated training camp attached to an event, while Para triathlon plans are currently being finalised.
Europe’s development program similarly emphasises education and athlete pathways. Coaching courses, junior camps, and youth development programs will be delivered across multiple countries, including Finland, Lithuania, Belgium, Austria, Croatia, and Ireland. Technical officials will participate in Level 1 seminars in Slovenia and North Macedonia, ensuring consistency and quality across the region. Para triathlon is also a key focus, with camps, coaching courses, and testing programs planned in Hungary and Croatia. National federations in Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland, and Slovenia will also benefit from support projects aimed at strengthening local triathlon capacity.
Oceania’s 2026 plan takes a holistic approach, combining education, participation initiatives, and performance support. Two new development hubs will be established with additional staff to coordinate programs across the region. Coaches, technical officials, and event managers will have access to targeted development and support programs, including observer opportunities in Asia. Participation initiatives, such as Tri-a-Tri activations, aim to enhance engagement, while performance programs will support athletes through Pacific Games test events in Tahiti, regional cups and camps in Palau and Tahiti, and dedicated Olympic athlete support. Para triathlon will receive enhanced classification and event support, ensuring pathways for athletes with disabilities are strengthened across the region.
The 2026 Continental Development Plans reflect World Triathlon’s ongoing commitment to growing the sport globally. By focusing on education, athlete and coach development, and opportunities for technical officials and Para athletes, together the regions continue to build a strong, sustainable foundation for triathlon’s future.
The approved plans can be found here -
2025-2028 World Triathlon Americas Triathlon Development Agreement 2026 Plan & Budget
2025-2028 World Triathlon Europe Triathlon Development Agreement 2026 Plan & Budget
2025-2028 World Triathlon Oceania Triathlon Development Agreement 2026 Plan & Budget