Riddled with new events along the Road to Rio, here’s what to look out for this year.
Road to Rio
No doubt about it, all roads lead to Rio this year. Qualification for the elites began two years ago at World Triathlon Yokohama & it will conclude there this year. Keep an eye on these first four WTS races as athletes gut it out for precious points in the hunt to represent their nations on the world’s biggest sports stage in Brazil.
Paralympic Debut
It’s going to be a cornerstone year for our sport as it makes its debut at the Paralympic Games this summer. Qualification is well underway, but much is still to be decided. Look out for epic racing at Continental Championships and World Paratriathlon Events. That’s where they can score points and quota spots to book their tickets to Rio. With the qualification period closing April 30, the Besancon World Paratriathlon Event is the last chance to grab those final points.
It’s new to you
The World Triathlon Series sees two new cities join its calendar this year. Home to the Brownlee brothers & training grounds to none other than Non Stanford, Vicky Holland & a host of talented British triathletes, Leeds is a course that you’re not going to want to miss. Likewise, Cozumel’s crystal clear waters, warm breeze & island vibes make it the perfect spot to cap off the season. Did we mention they have endless amounts of margaritas?
Welcome these World Cups
The World Cup circuit will enjoy a quad of new cities this year with the debut of Cagliari, Italy, as well as Montreal, Canada; Salinas, Ecuador; and Miyazaki, Japan. While not new to ITU, Kitzbuehel returns to the calendar after a short hiatus.
The courses, they are a changing
It’s a new dawn, a new day, a new course for Abu Dhabi and Cape Town. This year, Abu Dhabi changes up its cycling course as athletes double the distance for a standard distance race. Cape Town will be contested with a new swim course and slightly altered bike. Check out course details on wts.triathlon.org.
Paratriathlon gets its own World Champs
This year,…