World Triathlon and the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) have signed a 12-year strategic partnership this week to drive the growth of the sport until 2036. The two bodies jointly launched the T100 Triathlon World Tour in January, alongside new anti-doping regulations in May.
This agreement expands the relationship between the two entities, which began in August 2023. The project now represents a new step towards the development and enhancement of triathlon, which will be strengthened by improved long-distance races and the introduction of shorter-distance events alongside the T100 Tour. This alliance will simultaneously focus on sponsorship, broadcast rights and athlete protection.
World Triathlon President Marisol Casado sees this agreement as a way to maximise the current attention on the sport: “We believe it’s our joint responsibility with the PTO to build on the momentum we’ve created and maximise the exposure our sport is currently enjoying,” she said. Casado emphasised that athletes will now have more flexibility, moving between the World Triathlon Championship Series and the T100 Tour. “It’s a great opportunity for everyone, especially as we see fans engage with both short and long-distance formats.”
In addition to anti-doping and safeguarding, the partnership includes a framework for joint management of broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, and future growth opportunities. Casado highlighted that upcoming key events, such as the World Triathlon Finals in Torremolinos and the T100 Finals in Dubai, will continue to drive global engagement with the sport. “We want to expand our reach not just within the triathlon community but to a broader audience of sports fans,” she added.
Sam Renouf, CEO of the PTO, echoed Casado’s optimism, noting that this long-term collaboration provides both organisations the chance to strategically invest in the sport’s future: “Our relationship with World Triathlon has been incredibly productive since our first joint event, the World Long Distance Championships alongside the Collins Cup in 2021. This 12-year partnership allows us to jointly invest in the sport’s future development.”
Renouf also emphasised that the introduction of the T100 Tour has provided a much-needed platform for long-distance triathlon. He acknowledged that the collaboration has opened new avenues for growth, both in terms of athlete participation and fan engagement. David McNamee, a professional athlete and executive within the PTO, shared his perspective, highlighting the importance of the T100 Tour for athletes. “It’s an ideal time to be a professional athlete,” McNamee stated. “We’re seeing more opportunities to connect with fans and build the profile of long-distance triathlon globally.”
The partnership not only consolidates their work on long-distance events but also aims to explore shorter-distance formats, providing diversity in competition and expanding the appeal of triathlon to a wider audience. Casado and Renouf are confident that this holistic approach will support the long-term growth of the sport, benefiting both elite athletes and new fans alike.
The T100 Triathlon World Tour has already completed five successful rounds this year, held in Miami, Singapore, San Francisco, London, and Ibiza. Australian Ashleigh Gentle currently tops the women’s standings, followed by British triathletes India Lee and Lucy Charles-Barclay. In the men’s category, Denmark’s Magnus Ditlev leads, with New Zealand’s Kyle Smith in second place. The next event, scheduled for 19-20 October at Lake Las Vegas, is eagerly anticipated as part of this year’s highly competitive T100 series.
This announcement follows earlier anti-doping measures introduced by both organisations in 2024, reflecting a broader commitment to the integrity of the sport. With the partnership in place until 2036, World Triathlon and the PTO are focused on not just growing the sport but ensuring it remains an exciting and fair competition for athletes and fans across the globe.