Supertri, the international short-course triathlon specialist, has announced a new unified race format and an expanded calendar for 2026, aiming to bring together professional and amateur racing under one event brand.
The organisation expects 30,000 professional and amateur athletes to participate in the new structure across North America and Europe, which it states will accelerate its long-term sustainable growth.
In the new unified format, the elite Supertri League series will be integrated into select Supertri mass participation events. Here, leading professional athletes will qualify for a new Supertri League final, which will feature what Supertri is calling the largest one-day prize purse in triathlon in 2026.
Michael D’Hulst, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Supertri, said “I’m very excited about Supertri in 2026 because we’re doubling down on premium quality events and inspiration as well as expanding.
“We’re proud to be growing triathlon with a structure that delivers a long-term, financially sustainable future for the sport.”
D’Hulst added that having elite and mass participation athletes competing together will inspire more people into the sport and increase world-class racing opportunities for pro athletes.
The 2026 race calendar will include events at Supertri’s newest acquisitions: the Blenheim Palace Triathlon in the UK and the New Jersey State Triathlon in the US. The company’s ownership of the Blenheim Palace event, alongside the Chicago Triathlon, means Supertri now owns two of the ‘Big Five’ short-course events internationally, measured by participation. Supertri expects more acquisitions in the coming months.
D’Hulst noted “We’re building on our belief that triathlon must deliver for all. That means encouraging new athletes into the sport with inclusive race opportunities, offering a platform for growth and exceptional event experiences for seasoned competitors.”
The new model is supported by Supertri’s Athlete Advisory Group, which is composed of professional athletes.
A release from the Athlete Advisory Group said “Since its inception, Supertri has been at the cutting edge of innovation in the sport. Its plans to bring professionals and amateurs closer together in a way that champions elite level racing and uses that as a platform to inspire new people into the sport is very exciting and the next natural step in its journey.
“We believe this new model will deliver for all for the long-term and we are excited to be part of it.”
Supertri has also announced that it is pausing its Supertri E world championship in 2026, following the decision by the International Olympic Committee to cancel its Esports Games.
Further details of Supertri’s initiatives for 2026 will be revealed in the coming weeks.
