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World Triathlon announces rule changes for 2025

The executive body of World triathlon has given the green light to a series of new rules which will come into force on 30 January 2025.

These changes, which are based on input from athletes, organising committees, national federations and technical delegates, aim to modernise the competition and balance opportunities for all participants.

Below we review the highlights of this update.

New order in the Mixed Relay

One of the most talked about adjustments is the alteration of the starting order in the Mixed Relay modality.

From 2025, both in the Elite category and in Age Groups, the sequence will be woman-man-woman-man.

In this way, we return to the format used during the cycle. Tokyo 2020, and will remain in place until the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. This change will influence each team's strategy and promises to add a touch of dynamism to the races.

By changing the starting order, the relays can be affected in terms of pace and tactics, since the alternation of genders remains constant throughout the course.

Goodbye to point reductions in sprint format

Sprint competitions and qualifying events will no longer have ranking point reductions.

Previously, a 25% cut was applied to sprint events and a 12,5% ​​cut was applied to semi-final/final or eliminator events. Now, All distances will award the same amount of points, which reinforces competitive equality.

As a result of this change, athletes who prefer shorter formats will find greater motivation to participate and accumulate points without being penalized by the length of the event.

Athlete briefing: now the day before

El Athlete's Briefing, essential to understand all the details of the competition, will be held on day before the race at 16:00 p.m.  This measure is valid for all categories and distances, and its objective is to speed up the organization of each event.

Since briefings often include last-minute instructions, course instructions, and rule clarifications, it is critical that triathletes are present to avoid any violations or confusion during the race.

Revised and unified drafting penalties

Another key point concerns sanctions for Drafting, with the intention of better balancing the impact of an infringement in each format. With these new rules:

  • Long Distance: 3 minute penalty
  • Middle Distance: 2 minute penalty
  • Standard Distance: 1 minute penalty
  • Sprint Distance: 30 second penalty

In addition, the drafting zone at 12 meters, with 25 seconds to overtake another competitor.

These figures have been established after analysing reports from technical delegates and the experience of previous editions, seeking a balance between the protection of fair play and the fluidity of the race.

New penalties in Super Sprint

A specific category of is introduced 5 second penalties for Super Sprint events. This detail is intended to maintain consistency with the shorter format, where every second is vital to the outcome of the competition.

Swimming safety rules and water quality

In order to ensure the health of the participants, the conditions are slightly relaxed. acceptable levels of Enterococci and E. coli in the water, going from “excellent” to “good”.

However, the decision to suspend the swimming section for health reasons now falls to a multidisciplinary team: a representative of the Medical Committee, the Medical Delegate and the Medical Director of the Local Organising Committee.

On the other hand, it is not permitted to propel the body using inanimate objects in the water. In addition, athletes are required to wear short fingernails and toenailsand that Do not wear jewelry or watches. Exceptionally, the Head Referee may authorize the use of watches in the Elite category.

Changes in minimum age and competition categories

In the age group events, the Mixed Relay category will be defined by the sum of the ages of the four team members. For example, 60-79, 80-119, 120-159 and so on every 40 years.

At the same time, the minimum age requirements for each level of competition have been adjusted. From now on:

Category Distance Minimum age
World Triathlon Championship Series Any 18+
World Triathlon Cup (standard) Standard 18+
World Triathlon Cup (sprint) Sprint or less 17+
Continental Triathlon Cup (standard) Standard 18+
Continental Triathlon Cup (sprint) Sprint or less 16+
Development Regional Cup (sprint) Sprint 16+
Supertri E Championships (sp-sprint) Sp-sprint 17+
Continental Triathlon Championships Any 18+
T100 World Tour (middle) Middle 18+
Mixed Relay World Championships Sp-sprint 16+
Mixed Relay Series Sp-sprint 16+

The focus of these restrictions is to ensure the safety of participants. Not only the physical demands of the distances are taken into account, but also the category of the competition.

Uniforms and other modifications

Elite triathletes will be able to wear uniforms with elbow-length sleeves, something that was not allowed at all distances.

Taken together, these updates reflect an integrative vision aimed at receiving feedback from the triathlon community. In this way, the sport evolves with clear guidelines for the next Olympic cycles, enhancing competitiveness and safety in each event.

Next season and prospects

While many of these changes are beginning to take effect immediately, the real impact is expected to be seen in the lead-up to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.

The purpose of World triathlon is to maintain a transparent and safe competition environment for all, with particular emphasis on fairness and athlete protection.

The triathlon community, especially age groups and professionals, will have the opportunity to adapt to the new rules in upcoming events.

For more information, it is recommended to consult the official website of World triathlon and the statements of each national federation.

READ THE UPDATED CONTEST RULES HERE

Drafting

Triathlon News Editorial: We are the award-winning team in 2019 and Best Triathlon Website, made up of communicators passionate about triathlon, with more than 14 years of experience. We strive to offer you the most accurate, relevant and up-to-date information, conveying the excitement and dedication that characterize this sport.
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