Canadians Set to Toe the Line at World Triathlon Cup Haikou

The 2026 World Triathlon Cup moves to Haikou, China, on March 21st for the second stop of the season, following last weekend’s opener in Lanzarote. Set against a coastal city backdrop, the sprint-distance race marks a new addition to the World Cup calendar and an early opportunity for athletes to secure valuable points as the road to the 2028 Olympic Games begins to take shape.

Racing will unfold over the sprint format of 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run, with the men’s race scheduled for 9:00am local time and the women’s race at 11:00am.

Men’s Field

Depth defines the men’s start list, with 56 athletes set to line up in Haikou.

Spain’s David Cantero Del Campo will wear bib number one and enters as the clear favourite after his victory in Lanzarote last weekend.

Canada’s Mathis Beaulieu leads the domestic charge following his recent win at the Americas Triathlon Cup La Paz. He has demonstrated an ability to race exceptionally fast over the sprint distance, particularly across the closing 5km run. That speed on full display in La Paz, where he posted a 14:14 run split, narrowly quicker than David Cantero Del Campo’s 14:16 recorded in Lanzarote.

He is joined by fellow Canadians Martin Sobey and Brett Saunders.

 Women’s Field

A field of 37 women will contest the Haikou race, with Canada again well-represented.

Desirae Ridenour arrives as one of the key names to watch after opening her season with a victory at the Oceania Triathlon Cup Napier. Her early season form positions her as a legitimate contender to carry that success into World Cup competition.

Sophia Howell begins her 2026 campaign in Haikou, offering a first look at her progression this season, while Sidney Clement returns to racing with an opportunity to build on her performance in Lanzarote.

How to Watch

Live coverage of the World Triathlon Cup Haikou will be available on TriathlonLive.tv, with the men racing from 9:00am local time and the women from 11:00am.