WTCS Abu Dhabi Elite Races Postponed, Delaying Start of 2026 Series

The 2026 World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) season will not begin in Abu Dhabi as originally planned. Just today, World Triathlon confirmed that the elite races scheduled for the Modon WTCS Abu Dhabi event have been postponed, delaying the official start of the professional season.

For the world’s best short-course athletes, the change means the 2026 WTCS series will now open in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on April 26.

In terms of points and scoring, should the Abu Dhabi event be rescheduled before the Grand Final, a total of five rounds plus the final will still count toward the championship standings. However, if the race cannot be rescheduled ahead of the Grand Final, only four rounds plus the final will contribute toward the overall points total.

Statement from World Triathlon

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.