WTCS heads for French Riviera for the first time with 2025 race date and venue confirmed
The French Riviera will host a World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) race for the first time in 2025 with a date and venue now confirmed.
The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO), the French Triathlon Federation (FFTRI) and World Triathlon announced on Thursday that Saint-Raphaël – Fréjus will play host to the event on the same weekend T100 lands there as well.
It will be the first time the T100 Tour and WTCS will take place in the same venue and on the same weekend – with the showpiece event set to begin on August 30.
A mega weekend of triathlon
Sam Renouf, PTO CEO said: ““This is hugely exciting news and the outcome of very positive and collaborative discussions with the French Triathlon Federation and World Triathlon, which will help the sport capitalise on the strong momentum it has seen in France following the incredible Paris 2024 Olympics, and create a mega weekend of triathlon, which we believe will ensure the first edition of the French Riviera T100 Triathlon will be a memorable moment for triathlon.”
The event also marks the first Series race to be held in France since the competition format was introduced in 2009.
World Triathlon President, Antonio F. Arimany said: “We are incredibly excited to bring the World Triathlon Championship Series to France and together with a T100 event.
“France has a rich history and deep connection with triathlon, and this addition emphasises our commitment to expanding the sport. Furthermore, our collaboration with PTO continues to thrive, demonstrating our collective efforts in promoting triathlon.
“Following the success of the T1 Indoor Cup in Lievin and the upcoming Valencia World Cup alongside another T100 circuit stop, we look forward to what Saint-Raphaël – Fréjus will bring to the series. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the French Federation for their support in making this event happen.”
Responding on behalf of the FFTRI, Cédric Gosse, President, said: “The French Triathlon Federation is proud to host a leg of the World Series circuit in France.
French stars get huge opportunity
“This stage represents a significant challenge for our athletes, who will have the opportunity to express themselves at home following their performance at the Paris Olympic Games.
“This step is also proof of our commitment to ensuring the legacy of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we are determined to commit for several years to come.
“I want to thank all the public and private partners of the event and assure them of our recognition and full commitment to the development of triathlon in France.”
The Saint-Raphaël – Fréjus WTCS event will feature a Sprint distance race, with course maps and a complete schedule to be released in the coming weeks.
Saint-Raphaël – Fréjus will serve as the fifth stop on the WTCS circuit in 2025. With this addition, the Series will now include seven events, plus the Championships Final in Wollongong (Australia).
To accommodate the move and fit into the WTCS schedule, the scheduled weekend of the T100 event will switch from 27-29 June to 29-31 August.
