Olympics or Bust? World Triathlon and T100’s Big Bet

Good morning everyone,

Since my last race in Boulder I’ve been able to lock in and enjoy one of the best training blocks I’ve had in years ahead of my next race - IRONMAN 70.3 Boise. I’ve mostly focused on leveling up my cycling by incorporating a big bump in volume. It feels like gains have been made, and now its time to see how it translates to race day!

• I’m also excited to connect with as many Tempo subscribers as I can! If you’re going to be around that weekend reply to this email!

In today’s edition:

• 🏅 Olympics or bust? World Triathlon and T100’s big bet.

• 🚴 Five bike hacks for a speedy split.

• 😴 And how to reclaim your sleep!

Thanks for being here.

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

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ONE BIG THING

Olympics or Bust? World Triathlon and T100’s Big Bet

What is it: Could the T100 be included in a future Olympics? It’s what top World Triathlon, T100, and other industry executives discussed in a high stakes meeting held alongside last weekend’s World Triathlon Championship Series - Hamburg.

Exclusive meeting: As detailed in an article by InsideTheGames, The President of World Triathlon, Antonio Arimany, hosted a summit featuring World Triathlon and T100 leaders, broadcast executives, national federation heads, and other key stakeholders.

The purpose? Discuss the findings in a recently released report on World Triathlon’s future, and determine a sustainable path forward for the Sport’s governing body.

• Which also included the possibility of adding the T100 to the Olympic program!

Olympic ambitions: Getting events permanently added to the Olympic program is notoriously difficult as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in an effort to lower the cost of hosting the games, has imposed a strict athlete quota of 10,500 athletes.

• But, the T100’s Olympic ambitions could be buoyed by the IOC’s push for a more accessible Olympics - that includes mass participation events held alongside the games.

Last year’s Olympics in Paris saw the Marathon Pour Tous, a free, mass participation marathon that saw thousands of amateur athletes race on the same course as the Olympians. An age group triathlon, held alongside the “Olympic T100” could be a compelling reason for inclusion!

Tempo’s take: “Olympic T100?” There’s a lot to unpack from this, and the report that World Triathlon released. And I have to say, my initial reaction wasn’t positive! But after some thought, the proposal of having the T100 included in the Olympics would be a win for all involved - and the sport!

Highlighted in the report is a huge red flag for World Triathlon - that most of its races are only viable due to substantial government funding. In today’s economy, with inflation/cost of living issues weighing more heavily on budgets, getting jurisdictions to shell out for elite-only World Triathlon events is becoming untenable.

• But, having a mass participation component - that brings in tourism/local spending dollars could be enough to compel officials to invest.

And that’s where the T100 comes in. Since its pivot to being an events company, they have shown they can deliver acclaimed age group races. They’ve already sold out for next year’s Gold Coast age group event. And anecdotally, Tempo subscribers have overwhelmingly responded positively to their T100 race experiences.

• The T100 has momentum, and a business model. World Triathlon needs both.

And they’ll get a taste of both next month as The French Riviera sees the first-ever combined World Triathlon Championship Series/T100 race weekend.

But does Olympic inclusion and the T100ization of World Triathlon mean the death of draft legal racing?

No. If anything, it could inject much-needed energy and intrigue.

For example, what if securing an Olympic slot meant performing well over draft-legal, and non-draft racing?

• How would Lucy Charles-Barclay impact an Olympic distance race?

• Would an Olympic champion like Alex Yee still dominate in non-drafting?

• And how would Sam Laidlow handle a mixed team relay?

The reality is, in a triathlon market increasingly shifting to long course racing, having opportunities for non-draft athlete crossover brings much-needed eyeballs and awareness for World Triathlon.

• For the T100, an Olympic inclusion would be an incredible breakthrough in their battle with IRONMAN. For World Triathlon, it could be a triumphant return to relevance.

FAVORITES

🚴 Five bike hacks: If you’re looking for that extra edge to level up your bike performance, you’ve come to the right place! And with these five ways to make your bike faster, a PB is surely in your future! [GCN]

😴 Reclaim your sleep: Sleep, is the foundation of our recovery, performance, and life! So when you find yourself awake, and unable to resume a peaceful slumber, what can you do?!?! The author of this article asked sleep experts for their advice. And we couldn’t believe some of their answers! [New York Times]

😯 Bike shorts situation: Sometimes you finish a bike ride, and you just can’t move off the couch! But should you be chilling in your chamois longer than necessary? Absolutely - if you want bacteria, and other problems to arise! [Triathlete]

🧤 Proper bike fit: Triathlon and road bikes. They’re both bikes, they can’t be that different right? Wrong! This video explains crucial fit differences between them, and whether you really need a triathlon bike or not! [GTN]

🥇 Brownlee branches out: Alistair Brownlee is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Charity Foundation leader, and now, venture investor! This interview provides a glimpse into how a former triathlon champion is making his mark on a new field of play! [Sports Business Journal]

REEL TIME

From nothing, to an IRONMAN 70.3 finisher. Take a bow, Pedz! 👏👏👏

ironmantri

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QUICK NEWS

Little Elm, big race: North American athletes looking for a new 70.3 can turn their attention to the newly-announced IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm. The inaugural edition will take place March 15, 2026! [IRONMAN]

Challenge Roth sellout: To the surprise of no one, the 2026 edition of Challenge Roth sold out within seconds. For those still looking, more spots will be available through alternative channels! [Triathlon Today]

Celebrity sightings: Notable triathlon finishers this weekend include Finnish President, Alexander Stubb, who was second in a local sprint race. And celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey, who returned to the start line after recovering from a near-fatal bike accident. [Parade]

Inspirational athlete: "I want others that are in their 50s, 60s and 70s to know that you are not past it," says triathlete Anne Dockery, who at 77 is still competing in long distance races! [BBC]

Iceland illness: It looks like it was Norovirus, not water quality, that had more than 20 athletes ill after last weekend’s Laugarvatn Triathlon in Iceland. [Iceland Review]

Guamsantional: Guam had never won a medal in Triathlon at the Pacific Mini Games. That is until their 2×2 mixed team relay who won bronze behind powerhouses Tahiti and New Caledonia! [Post Guam]

RACE WEEKEND

World Triathlon Championship Series - Hamburg

An exceptional weekend of racing saw Matt Hauser (AUS), and Leonie Periault (FRA) take home individual titles, while Australia captured their first Mixed Team Relay World Championship since 2017!

Full event results

IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea

With the Swansea win, Kat Matthews (GBR) is now in the drivers seat for another Pro Series victory. And Harry Palmer (GBR) made it two for two in Swansea.

Full race results

IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz

The win by Olympic silver medalist and T100 star Julie Derron (SUI) puts her on the start line in Kona. Former World Champion, Anne Haug (GER), unfortunately DNF’d and will not be competing another world title.

Full race results

LATEST EDITIONS

• Hot to go at WTCS Hamburg. Plus, are you getting enough fiber?

• A sure thing - and surprise at Challenge Roth. And sodium salvation!

• IRONMAN World Championship qualification overhauled. And are orthotics necessary?