Tarragona, host of the 2026 Olympic-distance European Triathlon Championship

 

The candidacy, presented by the Spanish Triathlon Federation (FETRI), was approved unanimously in the first vote.

 

The competition, which will take place in the strategic surroundings of the Port of Tarragona, will include events in the Elite, Age Group (Sprint and Standard distances), and Paralympic Triathlon categories, highlighting the city's commitment to inclusive, high-level sport.

 

A joint effort that positions Tarragona

 

Representatives of the main institutions involved welcomed the decision and highlighted the collaborative effort behind the candidacy.

 

Berni AlvarezThe Catalan Minister of Sport, Carlos Sahagún, described the news as "magnificent for the city, for Catalonia, and for sport." He highlighted the ideal location and the enthusiasm of the institutions, assuring that the event "will leave a sporting and social legacy for years to come."

 

For its part, Mario SolerThe Councillor for Sports and Sports Tourism of the Tarragona City Council, pointed out that this designation "shows that Tarragona's status as a sports capital is unstoppable" and that the event "will once again place Tarragona on the international sports map."

 

Santiago J. CastellàThe president of the Port Authority of Tarragona expressed the "pride" the Port feels in hosting such a high-level event. "Our Port-Ciutat facilities have become one of the main hubs for sporting activity," he stated.

 

José HidalgoThe president of the Spanish Triathlon Federation (FETRI) expressed his satisfaction with Europe Triathlon's decision and emphasized the importance of the event as a starting point for the Olympic qualification cycle. "We want to continue building a great project to make Tarragona and Catalonia a world benchmark in triathlon," he concluded.

 

The president of Europe Triathlon, Marc d'HoodgeHe praised the Tarragona bid for its "exceptional location" and "real commitment to an inclusive triathlon."

 

A solid organizing committee

 

The strength of the organizing committee, led by FETRI and supported by the Tarragona City Council, the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government), the Port of Tarragona, the Catalan Triathlon Federation, and the Higher Sports Council (CSD), was a key factor in the selection.

 

The organizational experience of the FETRI In major events, it was decisive in ensuring the logistical, sporting, and social success of the competition, consolidating Tarragona's commitment to becoming a leading international sports capital.