The wait is finally over as the 2026 World Triathlon Cup season launches this weekend with a historic debut.
For the first time ever, the rugged and breath-taking volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote will host a stop on the World Cup circuit, marking a momentous milestone for an island that has long been a legendary training ground for the world’s elite triathletes.
As the season opener, the race sets the tone for the year, challenging a world-class field ready to rumble and set the tone for a fantastic season to come. Buckle up! Get ready for some serious action. Watch the full 2026 season unfold on TriathlonLive.tv.
The sprint-distance showdown will take place in the heart of Costa Teguise, centred around the iconic Playa de las Cucharas. Athletes will start with a 750m swim in the clear, protected waters of the bay, followed by a demanding 21km bike course consisting of three laps. The race will finish with a 5km run across two laps along the flat coastal promenade, offering spectators a front-row seat to the high-speed finale. With average temperatures around 21ºC and the island’s signature winds always a potential factor, the technical nature of the course is expected to reward those who have done their homework during the winter off-season.
Women’s preview
Leading the charge on the women’s start list is Jeanne Lehair (LUX), the top-ranked athlete in the field. After her break-through season last year, which included her first-ever WTCS victory, Lehair is ready to start the new season with the goal set on improving it. She has consistently proven herself as a formidable force on the global stage, and her explosive speed in the sprint distance makes her the woman to beat in this season opener.
However, the spotlight will also shine brightly on two British superstars making highly anticipated appearances: triple Olympic medallist and former World Champion Georgia Taylor-Brown, whose pedigree and championship experience make her a threat in any field, and Sophie Coldwell, who makes her inspiring return to the ‘blue carpet’ for her first race following maternity leave.
Men’s preview
All eyes will be on David Cantero Del Campo (ESP), who wears the number one this weekend. Cantero enters the 2026 season following a sensational 2025 campaign, which saw him cement his status as a world-class contender. His breakout year was capped by a historic first-ever podium at the World Triathlon Championship Finals, alongside a string of podium finishes in the season’s final World Cups. Racing on home soil, the young Spaniard will look to carry that momentum into Lanzarote and secure another gold to start his year.
Joining him as a major Spanish contender is the young Izan Edo Aguilar. After a series of excellent results on the World Cup circuit last year, Edo has established himself as one of the fastest athletes in the field, making him a dangerous threat if the race comes down to a footrace on the promenade.
The international field is bolstered by the return of some major stars. The French squad arrives with immense depth, led by former World Champion Dorian Coninx (FRA), who starts with number two. Also lining up on Saturday in Lanzarote will be Tim Hellwig (GER), the Paris 2024 mixed relay gold medallist, who returns to the blue carpet after an injury-plagued 2025 season and will be eager to reclaim his spot at the top. Also looking to make an impact will be Ben Dijkstra, the former junior standout now competing under the World Triathlon flag, who brings a wealth of experience and previous podium pedigree to the start line.
