Search
shop

Coronavirus impacts triathlon as Mixed Relay Qualification event is relocated

The ITU has postponed several Asian Cup events and also relocated the final Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification Event, due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

ITU moves 2020 Chengdu Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification Event to Valencia

The International Triathlon Union, in consultation with the Chinese Triathlon Federation (CTSA), has taken the decision to move the 2020 Chengdu ITU Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification Event to the city of Valencia (Spain) due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the 2019-nCoV Coronavirus outbreak in China.

The Chengdu Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification event was due to be held on the 9 May, with a World Cup taking place at the same venue the following day. Both events were included in the Olympic Qualification period. The decision has been taken to move the Mixed Relay event to Valencia on the 1 May, which will be the last opportunity for three National Olympic Committees to secure two women and two men quota for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The 2020 Chengdu World Cup will be postponed until later in the season and unfortunately, due to the lack of available time in this year’s busy schedule with World Cup racing almost every weekend from March through to May, and despite every effort to find a workable solution, it will not be replaced with another World Cup within the Olympic Qualification period.

ITU and the Chinese Federation will announce new dates for the rescheduled event in the coming weeks. ITU will be closely monitoring the start lists in the upcoming World Cup events in the Olympic Qualification period and may increase the start field over 65 in case it is seen necessary and technically possible. This consideration will not apply for any of the WTS events.

The Asian Cup events in Tainan (TPE), Beihai (CHN) and Dexing (CHN) scheduled to be hosted in March and April have been postponed as well, with the full support of the Asian Triathlon Confederation.

ITU will continue to cooperate with the National Federations and the local organising committees to continue developing triathlon in Asia and we will return to the region with further events in the near future.

Valencia will host the Mixed Relay Qualification event along with its scheduled World Cup on the weekend of 1-3 May. ITU wants to express its gratitude to the Spanish Triathlon Federation, as well as the local organisers, sponsors and staff, for being able to accommodate such an important event at such short notice.

ITU is monitoring the situation in other parts of the world and is working in close cooperation with the respective National Federations and local organising committees. Any possible changes related to other events will be communicated as soon as possible.

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Challenge Roth press conference 2025
WATCH LIVE NOW: Challenge Roth 2025 as Philipp bids for landmark and Laidlow returns
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
Olympic medallist and T100 winner reveals she’s stepping up to full distance next
Sam Laidlow Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Laidlow prompts groundbreaking move as Race Ranger data will be made public
Kat Matthews IRONMAN Texas Finish Line 2025
Kat Matthews and Magnus Ditlev top 70.3 Swansea fields as IRONMAN Pro Series heads to Wales
Kristian Blummenfelt Kristian Hogenhaug Casper Stornes IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
Triathlon GOAT Mark Allen sends “great champions” message to red-hot superstar Kristian Blummenfelt
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...