The World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) will make a comeback to London in 2026, hosted during the London T100 Triathlon weekend. British Olympic gold medalist Alex Yee, who emerged victorious at the Paris Olympics in 2024, will be the defending champion at this event.
Funding for the new London WTCS race has been secured from the National Lottery through UK Sport in collaboration with British Triathlon. The event is set to take place on July 25-26, 2026, at the Excel Centre, organized by the PTO and London Marathon Events as part of the successful London T100 Triathlon weekend.
In a strategic move, the professional T100km distance races, previously won by British athlete Lucy Charles-Barclay and New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde, will be replaced by the shorter WTCS format in 2026. The amateur segment of the weekend will still feature the PTO’s signature 100km triathlon along with Olympic, Sprint, and Relay options.
Sam Renouf, CEO of the PTO, expressed enthusiasm about the return of a WTCS race to London, highlighting the significance of the event in the context of British triathlon’s recent success at the Paris Olympics. The collaboration with World Triathlon and British Triathlon aims to promote the sport to new audiences and drive long-term growth beyond the event.
The agreement between the PTO and World Triathlon, in effect until 2036, emphasizes exploring opportunities for joint growth initiatives. Recent collaborations have included hosting WTCS races alongside T100 events in various locations, demonstrating a commitment to expanding the sport globally.
London Marathon Events CEO Hugh Brasher welcomed the inclusion of the WTCS in the London T100 Triathlon weekend, emphasizing the event’s role in inspiring active participation and showcasing top athletes. The partnership aligns with efforts to engage local communities and create a lasting impact through grassroots programs.
Antonio F. Arimary, President of World Triathlon, highlighted the strategic alignment with the PTO to offer diverse professional triathlon distances, tailored to different opportunities. The decision to bring back a WTCS race to London reflects the success of previous partnerships and a shared vision for the sport’s growth.
Collaborating with British Triathlon, the PTO aims to promote the event, drive participation, and establish a robust grassroots program, extending the event’s positive impact beyond race weekend. The focus is on inclusivity and sustainability, aiming to engage diverse audiences and leave a lasting legacy in communities.
Ruth Daniels, CEO of British Triathlon, echoed excitement about the event, emphasizing the platform it provides for British athletes to shine on home turf. The event model not only promotes the sport to new audiences but also offers volunteering opportunities and supports community engagement initiatives.
Esther Britten, Head of Major Events at UK Sport, reiterated the commitment to funding world-class sporting events through The National Lottery, enhancing fan experiences and fostering community engagement. The event series is expected to have a positive impact on London communities, offering participation and volunteering opportunities.
The announcement of the WTCS event in London adds to the city’s sporting achievements, following recent successful women’s sports events that drew significant crowds. The event is part of a broader effort to showcase London as a vibrant sports destination and engage diverse audiences in the sporting spectacle.
