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 -

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 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...