Triathlon is coming to the Eternal City.
For the first time, Rome will be hosting an international triathlon. The news arrives as a result of Arzachena dropping out as a World Cup host on 7th October. In its place, Rome will be stepping up to assume the mantle of hosts.
After three iterations of the Arzachena event (between 2020 and 2022), it is currently unclear if the town will host a World Cup again in the coming years. The course had proven particularly challenging with a tough climb on the bike course. Last year’s races were won by Jonathan Brownlee and Sandra Dodet.
However, losing the Arzachena event should not prove too great a blow for Sardinia. Having recently staged WTCS Cagliari for a second time, the island is on its way to becoming an established part of the elite triathlon firmament.
Rome, meanwhile, will host a Sprint distance World Cup in October, as was scheduled for Arzachena. Alongside being a welcome opportunity to score invaluable points towards Olympic qualification, the city will offer perhaps one of the best tourism opportunities for the athletes racing.
In addition to the news of the Rome event, World Triathlon confirmed the previously announced intention to hold a World Cup in Tangier. That event will be taking place a week prior to the Rome race, on 1st October. Given the relatively short flight connection between Tangier and Rome, it would be no surprise to see plenty of athletes tackle both events over the consecutive weekends.
