Race Preview: Standard Distance National Champs at Base2Race Harbourman
The 2026 Base2Race Harbourman Triathlon promises to be one of the standout races of the Irish triathlon season as it hosts the Standard Distance National Championships alongside Round 8 of the Triathlon National Series.
Base2Race Harbourman Triathlon is hosted by Wicklow Triathlon Club and has become one of Ireland’s iconic standard distance events. Sold-out and with the spectacular backdrop of Wicklow Town, 500 athletes will be racing for both national titles and valuable National Series points.
New National Champions will be crowned this weekend, with 2025 champions Russell White and Hollie Elliott not defending the titles won at Top of the Mourne. This means both titles are up for grabs as the triathlon community descend on Wicklow this Sunday.
open field
The open field is packed with quality and experience, and is shaping up to be an exciting race.
Leading the field is multiple-time Irish National Champion across a range of distances, Chris Mintern. After opening his 2026 campaign at last weekend’s Cobh Jailbreak Triathlon, Mintern will be looking to build on that performance as he chases another national title.
Among those hoping to deny him is reigning Triathlon National Series Champion David Higgins and, fresh from victory at Tribesman Galway, Wicklow TC’s Archie Bremner will enjoy racing on home roads.
Host club Wicklow TC will have plenty to cheer for, with Scott Graham also racing on familiar terrain.
Piranha Triathlon Club boasts strong club representation in Wicklow, featuring National Triathlon Centre athlete Sean McMahon alongside clubmates Ciaran Kyne and Conor Talty, all capable of featuring.
Also lining up are 2026 Duathlon National Champion Niall Cornyn, TriAthy 2026 winner Shane Dunne, and Belpark Triathlon Club’s Leo Corry, adding further depth to an already stacked field.
Naas Triathlon Club is represented by Conor Farrell, fifth at Harbourman in 2025 and clubmate Michael Monahan, who comes into the race after an impressive performance over the distance at last week’s Jailbreak Triathlon.
With so many athletes capable of challenging for the podium, the battle for the open national title is set.
female field
The female championship is going to provide exciting racing with experience and current form likely to play a part in deciding who leaves Wicklow with the title of 2026 Standard Distance National Champion.
Megan Roberts has already collected two podium finishes this year with third at Jailbreak and second in Clonmel, making her one of the favourites heading into Sunday.
Representing the host club, Sarah Diamond will have home support behind her after claiming victory at this distance in TriAthy earlier in the season. Clubmates Kate Fitzpatrick and Fiona Kelly will also enjoy home support.
Niamh Coffey of Killarney Triathlon Club earned her first National Series podium in Clonmel and is currently sitting P12 in the Triathlon National Series standings (provided all four required races are completed).
Andrea Brennan claimed her first National Series podium at Jailbreak in 2025 and has already returned to the podium this season with third place at TriAthy. Andrea is joined by clubmate Hannah Roche in representing Belpark TC at the championships.
International age-group athlete Naoise O’Donnell brings proven championship experience, having won her age group at the 2023 European Standard Distance Championships in Madrid, while 2026 Duathlon National Series winner Amy Pollmann-Daamen enters the race after opening her triathlon season with a top-10 finish at Jailbreak last weekend.
Who can become national champion?
National Championship titles are open to athletes who hold a full Triathlon Ireland membership and meet the published eligibility criteria. Championships are contested across both overall and five-year age group categories, giving athletes the opportunity to compete for a national title against others in their age group. Athletes competing under a One Day Membership (ODM) or as part of a relay team are not eligible for National Championship titles or official championship placings.
Athletes are encouraged to ensure their membership and eligibility details are up to date before race day to avoid disappointment when championship results are finalised. More info: https://www.triathlonireland.com/events/national-championships-eligibility/
international age group qualification opportunity
This event is also an automatic qualification opportunity for Tri Team Ireland, the Triathlon Ireland Age Group Team competing at the 2027 World Triathlon Championship Finals in Hamburg, Germany.
Athletes interested in representing Ireland internationally can find further information on the Age Group Programme and qualification process here: https://www.triathlonireland.com/get-involved/age-group-selection/application-procedure/
championship racing awaits
With national titles on the line and crucial Triathlon National Series points available, Base2Race Harbourman Triathlon is set to deliver an outstanding day’s racing in Wicklow.
Don’t forget to check out MyTriRanking.com, powered by AccountsIQ, for the latest Triathlon National Series standings, and be sure to follow our social channels throughout race day for live updates, results and behind-the-scenes coverage from Wicklow.
