Search
shop

World Triathlon announce field size expansions following WTCS Abu Dhabi cancellation

World Triathlon have announced changes to the number of starts available at the remaining races in the Olympic Qualifying window this year.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Scheduled to take place last weekend, the first World Triathlon Championship Series of the year in Abu Dhabi was abruptly cancelled on race day, due to extreme weather conditions.

As a result, a number of athletes and national federations were left out of pocket and also with a major dilemma on their hands, as the Olympic Qualifying window for the Paris Games draws to a close.

Because of the inconvenience caused by the cancellation, World Triathlon confirmed earlier this week that some start lists would be expanded as a result, but no Mixed Team Relay event would be added to the calendar.

Advertisement

Increase to the sizes of start lists approved

With the qualifying window closing at the end of May, there are only a small amount of top level races remaining for the best athletes in the world to gain valuable ranking points.

Bet Potter WTCS Montreal 2023 on bike
Photo Credit: Janos M. Schmidt / World Triathlon

In an internal memo to national federations, World Triathlon confirmed that their Executive Board had approved an increase in the start lists for World Triathlon Cub Races in nine locations.

“Following the cancellation of last weekend’s World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi, […], World Triathlon’s Executive Board has agreed to approve an increase to the sizes of start lists at the World Triathlon Championship Series, World Cups, World Triathlon Para Series and World Triathlon Para Cups within the Olympic and Paralympic qualification periods. 

“The World Triathlon Championship Series races in Yokohama and Cagliari will see extended entries from 55 to 60 per gender, while the start lists at those World Cups to be hosted before 28 May – Hong Kong, Chengdu, Huatulco, Samarkand and Wollongong – will increase from 65 to 70 athletes per gender. 

“In the case of the World Triathlon Para Series Montreal and Para Cups of Taranto and Besancon, the increase will be of two athletes per gender and per medal event.”

No replacement for the Mixed Team Relay event

Whilst concessions have been made for the individual racing schedule, World Triathlon confirmed that there will be additional Mixed Team Relay event before the end of the cycle, with the final race held at the World Triathlon Cup in Huatulco.

Mixed Team Relay France podium WTCS Sunderland 2023 photo credit: World Triathlon / Petko Beier
[Photo credit: World Triathlon / Petko Beier]

“After consultation with the Coaches and Athletes Committee, World Triathlon has decided that there will be no replacement of the Abu Dhabi Mixed Relay Series event.

“The Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification Rankings on the 25th March [will be the final event], as in the current criteria and proceed with the Mixed Relay event in Huatulco as the only Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification Event as initially scheduled.”

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 Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Fenella Langridge 2 winning GWM IRONMAN Western Australia 2023 photo credit IRONMAN
Good vibes only from Fenella Langridge as comeback from surgery gathers pace
Matt Hauser podium WTCS French Riviera 2025
Matt Hauser right where he wants to be as he closes in on first world title
Marten Van Riel 703 Ironman Nice win 2025
“I couldn’t let IRONMAN World Champs happen without me” – Marten Van Riel is BACK
Hayden Wilde WTCS French Riviera run 2025
‘Anything is possible’ says Hayden Wilde after epic shot at T100 and WTCS double header
Ashleigh Gentle top step of podium after T100 French Riviera 2025
Aussie star Ashleigh Gentle never lost faith she could return to top of T100 podium
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...