New Ironman 70.3 Heads to Alghero in 2026

Italy will welcome a new Ironman 70.3 race in 2026, with Alghero, Sardinia hosting its first edition on June 7. The addition strengthens Italy’s growing profile as one of Europe’s most popular triathlon destinations.

Alghero, located on Sardinia’s northwest coast, combines historic architecture and cobblestone streets with a dramatic Mediterranean backdrop. Early June typically brings mild racing conditions of around 22°C, ideal for Middle Distance racing.

The course is designed to showcase the region’s highlights. Athletes will start with a protected bay swim, followed by a 90 km bike leg through the Porto Conte nature reserve and along scenic coastal roads. The race concludes with a three-lap run that winds through the old town, past its sea-facing walls, and back to the harbor finish.

Alghero has experience hosting major sporting events, from the Giro d’Italia Grand Départ to the Rally Italia Sardegna and, most recently, the World Triathlon Championship Series. The city has also seen tourism numbers return to pre-pandemic levels, making it Sardinia’s most visited destination in 2024.

The move comes as demand for triathlon in Italy continues to grow. Ironman 70.3 Venice-Jesolo and the events in Emilia-Romagna have sold out well in advance, with thousands of athletes traveling to compete. The arrival of Ironman 70.3 Alghero adds another high-profile option to the Italian race calendar.