Photo: World Triathlon
By Kent Gray/Triathlon.kiwi
Spain is set to become a very familiar race destination for New Zealand’s elite triathletes, and many of the country’s most ambitious age groupers, over the next two years.
World Triathlon has awarded its 2024 season decider – the World Triathlon Championship Finals – to Malaga.
It will see the governing body’s premier World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) decided in the Costa del Sol tourist honeytrap, along with U23 and Junior (U19) individual and Mixed Relay titles, Para and Age Group Standard and Sprint Distance (individual) and Mixed Relay Championships.
World Triathlon’s Executive Board also approved hosting its 2024 annual Congress in Malaga alongside the Championship Finals.
Wednesday’s announcement comes hot on the heels of the 2023 World Triathlon Championship in Ibiza where New Zealand scooped 13 medals. The 2024 Multisport festival will be held in Townsville next year before returning to Spain in 2025 in Pontevedra.
Pontevedra is already locked in for the 2023 World Triathlon Championship Finals with the WTCS grand finale and associated elite and age group events scheduled for this September 22-24.
“The location is just perfect, with warm temperatures, an incredible venue, and a course right through the heart of the city, one of Europe’s best tourist destinations,” said World Triathlon President and IOC Member, Marisol Casado.
“I am truly convinced that the experience for athletes, volunteers and fans from all over the world will be one to remember.”
Auckland has previously hosted the crown jewel of World Triathlon’s annual calendar, along with cities such as London, Budapest, Beijing, Chicago, Gold Coast, Lausanne, Edmonton and 2022 host Abu Dhabi.