Search
shop

British Triathlon will not host a WTCS event in 2024 as economic crisis bites

British Triathlon will not host a WTCS event in 2024, it has been announced.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -

Just a week out from the British round of the World Triathlon Championship Series at WTCS Sunderland, British Triathlon have announced that hosting a top-tier short-course event next year will not be financially viable.

Having hosted a top-tier event every year since 2009 (except for in 2012 ahead of the London Olympic Games), the national federation has decided staging an event in 2024 is beyond its means.

British Triathlon cited the current economic climate as the driving factor behind the decision, adding that despite this setback, it is endeavouring to find a way to bring WTCS racing back to the UK as soon as possible.

Advertisement

“The cost of hosting WTCS races has been escalating”

A statement confirming the grim news said: “British Triathlon, in conjunction with Leeds City Council and UK Sport has decided not to bid to host a World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) event in 2024.

Grant Sheldon WTCS Leeds Photo credit World Triathlon Tommy Zaferes
Grant Sheldon in action at WTCS Leeds [Photo credit World Triathlon Tommy Zaferes]

“The costs of hosting WTCS races has been escalating for several years. Following a detailed feasibility process and in consultation with all event staging partners, the challenging economic climate has meant that it would not be financially viable for the event to take place in 2024, despite the considerable financial and value in kind commitment from Leeds City Council and UK Sport.

“Leeds has been a great host of WTCS events for many years and is synonymous with Triathlon as the training centre for several of British Triathlon’s World Class Programme athletes. It is also a key partner in British Triathlon’s efforts to grow swim, bike and run amongst underrepresented communities.

“Hosting major events remains a part of British Triathlon’s strategy, and the organisation is working with its partners, including Leeds City Council and UK Sport, to explore different ways to enable a return of a WTCS event in future years.”

Hosting a WTCS costs upwards of $500,000, with World Triathlon charging a $150,000 sanction fee on top of the expectation that the host city will cover $200,000 in prize money, plus $250,000 for the live TV production of elite races.

With only the WTCS Grand Final in Malaga confirmed for next season so far, it will be fascinating to see if any other federations decide that the cost of hosting a top-tier event is just too much to handle right now.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
sumarpo triathlon swimming wetsuit
Wetsuit buying guide – How to choose the best wetsuit for triathlon, open water swimming, SwimRun and cold water
latest News
Germany mixed team relay wtcs abu dhabi 2025 Selina Klamt Jan Dienar Tanja Neubert Henry Graf photo credit World Triathlon
WTCS Abu Dhabi results 2025: Germany go from last to first in crash-hit, drama-packed Mixed Team Relay
Hayden Wilde Alex Yee Olympic Games Triathlon Paris 2024
Hayden Wilde ends Abu Dhabi jinx – and says he’s “rooting” for great rival Alex Yee at London Marathon
Hayden Wilde wins WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025 photo credit World Triathlon
WTCS Abu Dhabi men’s results 2025: Hayden Wilde starts year in style with thrilling win
Lisa Tertsch wins WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025 photo credit World Triathlon
WTCS Abu Dhabi women’s results 2025: Lisa Tertsch leads INCREDIBLE German clean sweep
WTCS Abu Dhabi individual podiums 2025 Photo credit World Triathlon
WATCH AGAIN: WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025 – statement starts from Germany and Wilde
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...