Noelia Juan and Jarno Pousada finished fourth in the 2026 Torremolinos European Cup

The 2026 Torremolinos European Triathlon Cup was finally held in duathlon format after the swimming portion was cancelled for safety reasons at Los Álamos beach.

The day saw French victories in the elite category, very close podium finishes, and a prominent role for the Spanish team, with Xavi Cabanilles and Damián Suárez securing a national double in the junior men's race.

Torremolinos returned to the international calendar this Saturday with a European Cup event marked by adaptation. The race, initially planned as a triathlon, had to modify its format due to the water quality at Los Álamos beach, which forced the elimination of the swimming segment.

The new route was set at 2,5 km run, 20 km bike ride and final 5 km runA more explosive format, with less room for error and very open races from the first few meters.

A format change that altered the race

The conversion to a duathlon completely changed the competitive approach. Without swimming, the race rewarded athletes with the ability to run hard from the start and maintain intensity during the cycling segment.

The crowds turned out in force at the circuit, enjoying a day that combined international competition, junior categories, and amateur participation. The atmosphere in Torremolinos helped maintain sporting interest despite the change in the schedule.

Ambre Grasset wins the sprint in the elite women's race

The elite women's race was decided in a very close finish. Ambre Grasset She took the victory for France after winning the sprint against the Austrian rider. Carina is enough, in a finish that required a photo finish review.

The Switzerland Anouk Danna completed the podium, while Noelia Juan She was the best Spanish woman with a fourth place finish, which left her just short of the medals.

Top 4 female elite

Louis Vitiello leads the French one-two finish in the men's elite category

In the men's event, France was also a protagonist. louis vitello He secured the victory ahead of his compatriot Tristan Douchewhile the German Jaspar Ortfield He completed the podium.

The best Spanish performance came from Jarno Pousadawho climbed positions in the final running race and finished fourth, very close to the medals. Also finishing in the Top 10 were Hector Tolsá, ninth, and Eloy Canalestenth

Top 10 men's elite

Spain secures a junior men's double victory

The great news for the Spanish team came in the junior men's race. Xavi Cabanilles He prevailed in the final meters Damian Suarez, teammate and training partner, to sign a Spanish double in Torremolinos.

The Slovak Dominik Ivaničk He completed the podium, in a race with a very large Spanish presence within the Top 10: Manuel Prada was fourth, Lucas Garcia fifth, Jonay Álvarez sixth, Alvaro Llinares ninth and Arcadi Sala tenth.

Top 10 Junior Male

Candela Sánchez, junior women's silver medalist after another photo finish

The junior women's race also came down to a close finish. The Frenchwoman Rosalie Gallant She won the gold medal in a sprint finish against the Spanish rider. Candela Sánchez, with a photo finish decision.

The Israeli Adar Haya was third, while Maria Tenorio She completed another good Spanish performance by finishing fifth.

Top 5 Junior Female

The popular triathlon completes the day's events.

Beyond the international competition, Torremolinos also experienced a day dedicated to grassroots sports. The open race brought together participants of varying skill levels and reinforced the participatory nature of the event.

The event thus maintains its role within the European and national calendar, with a combination of elite, youth and popular participation that consolidates Torremolinos as a relevant venue in Spanish triathlon.