The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has confirmed that the iconic Gold Coast in Australia will host a T100 Triathlon World Tour race from 2026 after announcing a long-term hosting agreement with Events Management Queensland.
The flagship tour of the PTO, the T100 has expanded since its inception with racing take place over the 2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run format with a total prize plus of over $7 million.
The Gold Coast T100 is set to become the season opener in 2026 with racing to take place on Saturday March 21 and Sunday March 22 at Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast.
T100 heads Down Under
PTO CEO Sam Renouf said the organisation had identified the Gold Coast as a potential host venue as it ticked “all the boxes” with world-famous beaches, renowned landmarks and its track record in delivering world-class sporting events.
“Whenever we’ve asked the triathlon community where they’d like us to add events, Australia is consistently at the top of the request list. So we are thrilled to be able to announce this long term agreement to host the T100 on the beautiful Gold Coast, and to accelerate the growth and visibility of triathlon in the build up to the hosting of the 2032 Olympics.”
EMQ Chairman Paul Donovan added: “We are delighted that the world’s greatest triathletes, including local favourite, Ashleigh Gentle, will kick start their T100 world championship aspirations here next year and that everyone will be able to come and watch and be inspired by these amazing sports stars.”
“It’s an absolute honour for the city to be chosen as host for T100 which will be followed by a mass participation triathlon where local, national and international amateur athletes can emulate their triathlon heroes in a Sprint and 100km triathlon and a variety of shorter distance events,” Mr Donovan said.
The Queensland Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell discussed the economic benefits of hosting:
“This is a great opportunity for Queensland and the Gold Coast to again step onto the global stage to deliver a world class event and demonstrate our professionalism and depth of skill and talent in major event management.The T100 will bring an international focus to Queensland and the Gold Coast, provide a great economic boost to the local economy and tourism sector whilst fostering and celebrating sporting talent from grassroots to professional levels.”
Also commenting on the news, Antonio F. Arimany, President of World Triathlon, said:
“The announcement of the T100 race in the Gold Coast for 2026 is a significant moment for World Triathlon and PTO, and a testament to Australia’s growing importance as a global triathlon hub. Following the upcoming World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong this October, and with the Brisbane Olympics on the horizon – where we anticipate a fantastic triathlon event potentially hosted on the Gold Coast – this event further solidifies Australia’s commitment to our sport and its ability to deliver world-class competitions.
Athlete’s view
T100 professional athlete Ashleigh Gentle, who finished second in the 2024 T100 series, lives on the Gold Coast and attended the launch, said:
“The T100 Triathlon World Tour coming to the Gold Coast is incredibly exciting. Australia has been asking for an event for a long time, so to secure one on the Gold Coast in Queensland, the most perfect place to race a triathlon, is really exciting. I can’t wait to be able to race on home turf, in front of a home crowd and be able to experience the course with Gold Coasters and Australians.”
Meanwhile, in 2025, preparation ramps up for the T100 event in San Francisco, the second of the Tour this year. $250,000 is on the line for the winner of both the men’s and women’s races. San Francisco T100, hosted at the famous Escape From Alcatraz triathlon, is set for Saturday May 31.
