Seven Spaniards compete in the Chengdu World Cup

The Chengdu 2026 Triathlon World Cup takes place this weekend in China with seven Spaniards on the starting line and a historic mixed relay race.

The international circuit of World Triathlon Cup It continues this Saturday, May 9th in Chengdu, one of the classic venues on the Asian calendar and a regular setting for open, fast races with a lot of tactical weight.

The event will be held at the venue of JintangA space designed specifically for triathlon, which once again brings together a top-level start list. Spain arrives with a large contingent: Izan Edo, Antonio SerratPelayo González, Esteban Basanta, Sara Guerrero, Cecilia Santamaría and Ana Carballo.

Chengdu brings back good recent memories for Spanish triathlon. In the Chengdu World Cup 2025, Sara Guerrero achieved the bronze medal, one of the results that confirmed its international growth.

The Chinese city was also the scene of another Spanish success in 2025, although in a different competition: in the World Games Chengdu 2025contested in duathlon format, Spain achieved the gold in the 2x2 mixed relay with María Varo and Javier Martín, in addition to María Varo's silver medal in the women's individual event.

The Chengdu World Cup, a key event on the World Triathlon calendar

La Chengdu World Cup It is part of the World Triathlon Cup circuit, the second major international level below the World Triathlon Series. These races award important points for the world ranking and usually bring together established triathletes alongside young athletes looking to break into the WTCS.

In this edition, the format will be sprint distanceThe race consists of a 750-meter swim, a 19,6-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. The cycling segment will be contested on a technical four-lap circuit, while the run will be flat and fast, with two 2,5-kilometer laps.

Conditions can be a significant factor. Chengdu is usually hot and humid at this time of year, which can make a race that, due to the distance, will be decided by very small margins even tougher.

Izan Edo, Antonio Serrat, Pelayo González and Esteban Basanta in the men's event

The men's race will open the program on Saturday at 03: 00 Spanish timeSpain will have four representatives: Izan Edo, Antonio Serrat, Pelayo González and Esteban Basanta.

Izan Edo He arrives as one of the young names to watch. The Spanish triathlete, born in 2005, is part of a generation that is already starting to compete on equal footing in World Cups. His ability to maintain high paces and his potential for growth make him an interesting contender in a race that can be decided in the swim and bike legs.

Antonio Serrat He brings international experience and race awareness. On a circuit where good positioning will be key, the Galician driver could have a chance if he gets into the leading group or a second group capable of making a run before T2.

Pelayo Gonzalez y Stephen Basanta They complete the Spanish contingent. Both will have a good opportunity to test themselves against a demanding start list and gain experience in a race with several high-level competitors.

Luke Willian leads a very open start list

The Australian Luke Willian He starts with the number 1 jersey on a list that also includes names like Tyler Mislawchuk, Callum McClusky, max-stapley, Reese Vannerson, Brandon Copeland o Tayler Reid.

The American Reese Vannerson He returns to Chengdu as the defending champion, after winning here in 2025. Also worth watching is max-stapley, winner at this venue in 2024, already several young triathletes with the ability to make the race tough from the first meters.

The swim could already create a significant selection. If a leading group forms with strong rouleurs, the 5-kilometer run will begin with enough gaps to determine the battle for the podium.

Sara Guerrero returns to Chengdu with podium hopes

The women's race will begin on Saturday at 05: 00 Spanish timeSpain will have three representatives: Sara Guerrero, Cecilia Santamaría and Ana Carballo.

Sara Guerrero She will be Spain's main representative. The Galician athlete arrives in Chengdu wearing bib number 2 and with a very positive track record at this venue, where she won the bronze medal in 2025. That result confirmed her ability to compete with the best in a very competitive World Cup.

Guerrero also closed out 2025 with a victory in the Florianópolis World CupThis result strengthened his position within the Spanish contingent aiming for a permanent spot in the World Series. In Chengdu, his top speed over a shortened course could be one of his greatest strengths.

Cecilia Santamaría y Ana Carballo They complete the Spanish presence in the women's race. Santamaría is a triathlete with experience in international competitions, while Carballo arrives in a phase of competitive growth and with room to continue accumulating points and experience.

Sian Rainsley, Kate Waugh and Laura Lindemann raise the bar for the race

The British Sian Rainsley She will start with bib number 1 after a strong start to the season, having already reached the podium at the Haikou World Cup. Her consistency and running prowess place her among the top contenders.

Another focus will be on Kate WaughThe British athlete, T100 circuit champion in 2025, returns to competition in the World Triathlon arena after focusing on middle-distance events. Her return to a sprint race adds an interesting dimension: she will have to adapt again to a more explosive race, with less room for error.

It also appears on the list Laura LindemannThe Olympic champion in the mixed relay at Paris 2024 and one of the most consistent triathletes on the circuit when she's in form, the German arrives in the process of regaining her competitive edge, but her tactical acumen makes her a dangerous rival on a course like Chengdu.

Chengdu World Cup schedule and where to watch

The individual competition will be held on Saturday May 9The men's race will be the first to take place, followed by the women's race.

Sunday will bring a special appointment: the first Mixed Relay World Cup of circuit history.

All three events can be followed live via Triathlon Live.tv, the official platform of World Triathlon.

The mixed relay adds a second chance for Spain

The first World Cup will be held on Sunday, May 10th. mixed relay within the World Triathlon international calendar. The final lineups will be confirmed after the individual races, so Saturday's performance may influence the final team compositions.

For Spain, this second day opens up another competitive avenue. The mixed relay format rewards consistency, quick transitions, and the ability to compete without margin for error, so the depth of the Spanish team could be an advantage if their energy levels are well distributed after the individual races.

Chengdu will therefore be a meeting of double interest for the Spanish team: real options to fight for top positions in the individual events and a first international reference in the new mixed relay World Cup format.