World Triathlon Multisport Festival drops all but long-distance triathlon and Aquabike races

The good news is that at least two of the world championship events that were to be part of the World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Almere-Amsterdam will still happen this year. The bad news is that thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and the “strict measures worldwide,” the duathlon, cross and aquathlon events have been cancelled.

According to a release sent out today by the event organizers, “the World Triathlon Championship and the World Triathlon Aquabike Championship will continue to take place on Sunday, September 12,” while the “World Triathlon Sprint Duathlon Championship, the World Triathlon Standard Duathlon Championship, the World Triathlon Cross Triathlon Championship and the World Triathlon Aquathlon Championship will not be held in Almere this year.”

“Of course this is a very difficult decision, but at the same time the only right decision we can make,” explains race director Richard Belderok. “A 10-day event would have a huge impact on permitting, police and medical services: something that does not seem feasible in this day and age. Despite these limitations, fortunately we have now found the best possible solution.”

The Long Distance Triathlon world championship will be held over the full-distance – 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike and a 42.2 km run, while the Aquabike worlds will consist of  3.8 km swim and a 180 km bike.