WTCS Abu Dhabi and the Para Triathlon Cup races have been postponed as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
The short-course triathlon season had been scheduled to start with men’s and women’s individual races on Friday March 27 and then a Mixed Team Relay the day after as well as the para events.
But, in common with many other sports, the decision has now been made to delay the start of the season until WTCS Samarkand on April 26.
Age-group races to take place
World Triathlon issued a statement late on Friday which read: “Abu Dhabi Sports Council and World Triathlon have confirmed that the 2026 Modon World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi, sponsored by TAQA, will take place as scheduled on 28-29 March, with adjustments to the competition categories.
“All age-group community races, approved by World Triathlon, will proceed according to the previously announced schedule on Hudayriyat Island.
“Under the revised plan, the Elite individual races, the Para triathlon Cup and the Elite Mixed Relay event have been postponed to a later date, which will be announced in due course.
“Organisers have encouraged age-group athletes and triathlon enthusiasts to continue their preparations and participate in the community races, which will be held as originally planned.”
Contingency plans
The statement continued: “The 2026 World Triathlon Championship Series season is now expected to begin with the second round in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on 26 April.
“According to World Triathlon regulations, if the Abu Dhabi event is rescheduled before the Grand Final, five rounds plus the final will count toward the season’s points total. However, if it is held after the Grand Final, only four rounds plus the final will count.
“Athletes listed on the Abu Dhabi start lists are also eligible, if willing and able, to compete in other events on the World Triathlon calendar between 10 March and 15 April 15, which precede the first round of the 2026 Championship Series in Samarkand.
“If demand for participation increases as a result of the adjustment to the Abu Dhabi event programme, the possibility of expanding athlete quotas in those events will be evaluated in coordination with local organising committees.”
Abu Dhabi has started the pro triathlon season in recent years, though in 2024 it had to be cancelled due to “adverse weather conditions”.
There are also plenty of high-profile middle-distance triathlons scheduled for the latter part of the year in the region, including T100 races in Dubai and Saudi Arabia before the Grand Final in Qatar.
