Be part of a Mixed Team Relay at the 2026 World Triathlon Championship Finals
Race for Ireland in the Age Group Mixed Team Relay at the 2026 World Triathlon Championship (WTC) Finals in Pontevedra, Spain.
WTC Finals 2026 Pontevedra, Spain
The World Triathlon Championship (WTC) Finals return to Spain in 2026, with the historic city of Pontevedra hosting a spectacular multi day festival of racing.
The event brings together elite, age-group, junior, para, and mixed relay racing from all across the globe, all competing for World Championship titles while representing their federation on the international stage.
Alongside Sprint, Standard and Aquabike racing, Irish athletes now have the opportunity to represent Tri Team Ireland as part of an Age Group Mixed Relay held on 27th September 2026.
If you’ve already read our guide on qualifying for Pontevedra 2026 (More information can be found here ) , this blog explains how you and your club mates or training partners can take the next step and race together as a team.
What is mixed team relay?
The Mixed Team Relay is one of the most exciting formats in triathlon.
It’s fast, tactical and team-based – perfect for athletes who thrive on high energy racing and shared goals.
Teams of four athletes complete a relay, with each athlete racing a super sprint triathlon, before tagging a team mate. The event is:
- Draft-legal but time trial bikes are not permitted on the course.
- Short, sharp and spectator friendly
- Highly strategic, with pacing and transitions playing a key role.
It’s a unique chance to race for Ireland as part of a team, rather than as an individual!
Team Format
Each team must consist of:
- 2 female category athletes
- 2 open category athletes
Athletes must be 15 years or older as at 31 December 2026.
Teams may include athletes of any age, provided minimum age requirements are met.
This format encourages balanced teams and creates exciting competition across all age categories.
Age Categories
Teams are placed into age categories based on the combined ages of all four athletes, calculated as at 31 December 2026:
- X60: 60–79
- X80: 80–119
- X120: 120–159
- X160: 160–199
- X200: 200–239
- X240: 240–279
- X280: 280–319
- X320: 320+
A maximum of 10 teams per nation per age category may be entered.
Entry Fee
- €420 per team
- €105 per athlete
How the Selection and Payment Confirmation Process Works
Athletes who qualify for the Mixed Team Relay will be issued a payment deadline by Triathlon Ireland to pay the International Relay Fee (IRF) and confirm their place. Failure to meet this deadline will result in withdrawal.
World Triathlon will set a final deadline for payment of the race entry fee. Failure to meet this deadline will also result in withdrawal.
Further information on timelines, team confirmation and next steps will be communicated directly to athletes by Triathlon Ireland.
How to Apply
Athletes wishing to compete at the World Triathlon Championship Finals Pontevedra 2026 must apply through Triathlon Ireland once qualified.
Individual applications
Apply via your Triathlon Ireland account.
Mixed Team Relay applications
Tri Team Ireland Kit
All athletes must wear the official World Triathlon-approved tri-suit, available exclusively from the Triathlon Ireland Store. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in ineligibility to race. All other items are optional.
For full details on the official World Triathlon tri-suit regulations, please refer to the World Triathlon Tri-Suit Rules & Catalog. The full range can be found here.
Find out more
For further information on Tri-Team Ireland and international age group events take a look at our dedicated page here.
If you’ve already secured your qualification or are planning your pathways to Spain, the Mixed team relay offers a fantastic opportunity to race on a world stage alongside your teammates and represent Ireland together.
For any queries, contact Roisin on roisin@triathlonireland.com
