The World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS), which British Olympic champion Alex Yee claimed victory in 2024 following his success at the Paris Olympics, is set to make a comeback in London in 2026 during the London T100 Triathlon weekend.
Funded by the National Lottery through UK Sport in collaboration with British Triathlon, the upcoming London WTCS race will mark its return to the capital after a hiatus since 2015, scheduled to be held on July 25-26, 2026. The event will be hosted at the Excel Centre, organized by the PTO and London Marathon Events as part of the popular London T100 Triathlon weekend, which witnessed nearly 6,000 amateur participants this year, including prominent sports figures and celebrities like Adam Peaty, Billy Monger, and Gordon Ramsay with his family.
In a strategic move, the PTO and World Triathlon have opted to replace the professional T100km distance races for 2026, shifting to the shorter WTCS format. While last year’s T100km races were won by British standout Lucy Charles-Barclay and New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde, silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the amateur segment of the weekend will still include the PTO’s signature 100km triathlon along with Olympic, Sprint, and Relay options.
Sam Renouf, CEO of PTO, expressed, “Hosting a WTCS race in London is a significant development for our sport, allowing triathlon to capitalize on the stellar performances of the British team at the Paris Olympics last year.” He highlighted Alex Yee’s achievements this year, underscoring the importance of sports in the capital.
The long-term agreement between PTO and World Triathlon, established in October 2024 and extending until 2036, aims to explore new avenues for mutual growth in the sport. It includes plans to host shorter-distance events alongside the T100 Tour, as evidenced by the recent T1 Indoor World Cup in France and the WTCS races in France and Australia.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with PTO and World Triathlon for the WTCS event in London, building on the success of the London T100 Triathlon weekend since 2024.
Antonio F. Arimary, President of World Triathlon, highlighted the adaptability of professional triathlon distances to align with diverse opportunities, emphasizing the suitability of WTCS races for London’s road permits and the collaborative spirit driving the sport’s growth.
The PTO, in partnership with British Triathlon, aims to promote the event to bolster participation, foster grassroots engagement, and create lasting positive outcomes beyond the race weekend.
Ruth Daniels, CEO of British Triathlon, emphasized the excitement surrounding the return of a major event to the UK, underscoring the platform it provides for British athletes to shine on home turf and engage with new audiences while fostering community engagement and sustainability initiatives.
Esther Britten, Head of Major Events at UK Sport, reiterated the commitment to leveraging National Lottery funding for top-tier sporting events, offering fans the opportunity to support GB athletes and benefitting local communities through participation and volunteering prospects.
The announcement of the WTCS race in London adds to the city’s sports landscape following recent initiatives supporting women’s sports events, showcasing the vibrancy and inclusivity of London’s sporting calendar.