The World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) will make a comeback to London in 2026, set for the London T100 Triathlon weekend, following British Olympic champion Alex Yee’s victory at the Paris Olympics in 2024. The London WTCS event has secured funding from the National Lottery, courtesy of UK Sport in collaboration with British Triathlon. This marks the event’s return to the capital after a hiatus since 2015, scheduled for July 25-26, 2026.
Held at the Excel Centre, the event will be organized by the PTO and London Marathon Events as part of the successful London T100 Triathlon weekend. The 2026 edition will feature the WTCS format instead of the professional T100km distance races, with the amateur segment continuing to offer the PTO’s signature 100km triathlon alongside Olympic, Sprint, and Relay options.
Sam Renouf, the PTO CEO, expressed excitement about the return of a WTCS race to London, emphasizing the significance for the sport and the opportunity to build on the success of British athletes at the Paris Olympics. The partnership between the PTO and World Triathlon aims to promote sport growth, with a focus on engaging grassroots and new audiences beyond the event itself.
The agreement between the PTO and World Triathlon, extending until 2036, includes plans to explore new opportunities for sport development, such as hosting shorter-distance events alongside the T100 Tour. Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the event’s role in inspiring active participation and acknowledging the stellar performances of athletes like Alex Yee and others at the Paris Olympics.
The collaboration between the PTO, World Triathlon, and British Triathlon aims to enhance event visibility, engage new audiences, and create a lasting impact through grassroots initiatives. Ruth Daniels, British Triathlon CEO, emphasized the event’s significance in showcasing British talent, engaging volunteers, and promoting the sport to diverse communities.
Head of Major Events at UK Sport, Esther Britten, emphasized the importance of funding major sporting events like the WTCS in London to support GB athletes and engage local communities positively. The upcoming event aligns with efforts to promote sports in London, following recent successes in hosting significant women’s sporting events in the city.
Antonio F. Arimary, World Triathlon President, highlighted the collaboration’s ability to cater to various professional triathlon distances and opportunities while aligning with the city’s infrastructure and road permits. The collective effort aims to build on past successes and bring back a WTCS race to London.
The PTO, in partnership with British Triathlon, will focus on marketing the event to drive participation, deliver a compelling grassroots program, and create a lasting impact beyond the race weekend. The event’s return to London signifies a milestone in the city’s sporting landscape, offering opportunities for athletes, fans, and volunteers to engage in a world-class triathlon experience.
