World Triathlon has awarded the 2024 World Triathlon Winter Championships to Pragelato, in the region of Bardonecchia, Italy. The competition will take place on February 23-25 on the snow-covered mountains of the Alpine resort that played host of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.
“Pragelato’s selection as the host city for the 2024 Winter Triathlon World Championships is a testament to the exceptional commitment of the organisers and the Italian Triathlon Federation to the winter version of our sport, coupled with its picturesque alpine setting that provides an ideal backdrop for such a thrilling competition. The town’s passion for the winter sports and their welcoming nature will set the perfect scenario for our athletes to shine once again,” said World Triathlon President and IOC Member, Marisol Casado.
The return of the Winter Triathlon World Championships to Italy four years after hosting it for the last time is not only a celebration of the nation’s enduring love for winter sports but also a recognition of the Italian Triathlon Federation’s dedication to organizing world-class events.
“The Italian Triathlon Federation is extremely proud of having the opportunity to organize the most important event in the world of our beloved Winter Triathlon. We, as FITRI, have been always certain that the amazing winter version of our sport is a crucial element for the growing of the entire community. Together with my Board, I would like to personally thank President Marisol Casado to have firmly believed in the development and the potential of Winter Triathlon,” said Riccardo Giubilei, President of the Italian Triathlon Federation.
As athletes from around the globe prepare to converge on Bardonecchia in 2024, the event promises to showcase the pinnacle of winter triathlon excellence. Competitors will navigate the snow-covered landscapes, showcasing their prowess in running, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, creating a spectacle that captures the true essence of winter sports athleticism.
The event will kick-off on Friday, February 23, with the Winter Duathlon World Championships for Elite, U23 and Junior athletes. This format duathlon consists of running and cross-country skiing, and for the elite races the athletes are expected to complete each discipline two times, starting with a run.
On Saturday, the day Will start with the Age-Group and Para Winter Duathlon Championships, that will be followed by the Elite, U23 and Junior Winter Triathlon Championships. At the 25th edition of the Winter Triathlon World Championships, the Elite, U23 and Junior athletes will do the usual 8 km run on the snow, 12 km of MTB also on the snow and 12 km of cross-country skiing. But they will have to do five transitions, two laps of each section. For the Age Group and Para athletes, they will perform as per usual, doing only half of the distance and the usual two transitions before crossing the finish line.
On the final day of competition, Sunday, the schedule includes the Age-Group Standard distance World Triathlon Winter Championships; the Para Winter Triathlon World Championships and the 2×2 Winter Triathlon Mixed Relay for Elites and U23/Juniors.
Further details will be announced in the upcoming weeks, and entries for the event will be open on January 8, 2024.
In addition to the event in Italy, World Triathlon’s Executive Board has also approved the addition of a World Triathlon Winter Cup in Harbin, China, for the weekend of 3-4 February, to give winter triathletes further opportunities to compete at the highest level during the season.
