News

Ireland will host an international elite triathlon event for the first time in more than a decade next summer following a successful bidding process led by Triathlon Ireland and Piranha Triathlon Club.

Europe Triathlon has announced that Dublin has been chosen as the host of a European Junior Cup on August 26th 2023. The sprint distance, draft-legal event will be run as part of a day-long festival of triathlon at one of Ireland’s largest events, Dublin City Triathlon (DCT).

Junior athletes representing their countries will swim 750m in the River Liffey, before biking 20km, and running 5km in and around Phoenix Park in the European Cup event. It will be the first time Ireland has hosted an international triathlon since the 2010 European Championships in Athlone – a race won by Alistair Brownlee and Nicola Spirig – both of whom went on to claim gold medals at the London Olympic Games two years later.

Exciting Time for Triathlon

The CEO of Triathlon Ireland Darren Coombes says that with membership in excess of 18,000 and a network of almost 100 clubs around the island of Ireland, the announcement comes at an exciting time for triathlon in Ireland.

“Staging international events of increasing size and profile is a key measure of Triathlon Ireland’s Strategic Plan and will complement a thriving domestic scene of more than 200 events annually. We are really excited to partner with Europe Triathlon and Piranha Triathlon Club to deliver an exceptional athlete experience in an iconic race setting, for both our own emerging elite athletes and athletes from all over Europe.”

Dublin City Triathlon

Dublin City Triathlon is one of Ireland’s most popular and high profile events, hosting up 1,000 amatuer participants each year. The event is organised by Piranha Triathlon Club, Chair Adele Hall says next year marks a special anniversary for the race.

“Piranha Triathlon Club took over the organisation and running of what is now known as Dublin City Triathlon in 2003 and the race has grown and evolved every year since then. We consistently deliver one of the best and biggest races on the Triathlon Ireland racing calendar every summer and next year’s event will raise our level even further. Hosting this race is a huge win for the triathlon community and the sport in Ireland.  Piranha Triathlon Club are excited to work with Triathlon Ireland to showcase our race, our sport and our country on the European stage.”