Pragelato, a picturesque Alpine resort in Bardonecchia, Italy, has been selected as the host city for the prestigious 2024 World Triathlon Winter Championships. This announcement, made by World Triathlon’s Executive Board, marks a significant milestone for the region, which previously hosted events during the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. The championships are scheduled for February 23-25, 2024.
World Triathlon President and IOC Member, Marisol Casado, expressed her enthusiasm for Pragelato’s selection. She highlighted the Italian Triathlon Federation’s commitment to winter sports and noted the town’s passion for these activities as key factors in their selection. Casado emphasized that Pragelato’s alpine setting is ideally suited for the event and will provide an excellent backdrop for the athletes.
This event marks the return of the Winter Triathlon World Championships to Italy after a four-year hiatus, celebrating the country’s longstanding love for winter sports. The Italian Triathlon Federation, led by President Riccardo Giubilei, expressed pride in organizing this paramount event, emphasizing the importance of the winter triathlon in the growth of the sports community.
The 2024 Winter Triathlon World Championships will feature elite athletes from around the globe, competing in a triathlon that includes running, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. These events will take place in Pragelato’s snow-covered landscapes, showcasing the athletes’ versatility and endurance in winter sports.
The competition will commence with the Winter Duathlon World Championships for Elite, U23, and Junior athletes on February 23. This duathlon involves running and cross-country skiing, with elite athletes expected to complete two laps of each discipline.
February 24 will see the Age-Group and Para Winter Duathlon Championships, followed by the Elite, U23, and Junior Winter Triathlon Championships. The 25th edition of the event will challenge Elite, U23, and Junior athletes with an 8 km snow run, 12 km of mountain biking on snow, and 12 km of cross-country skiing, incorporating five transitions and two laps per section. Age Group and Para athletes will participate in a reduced version of the course.
The final day, February 25, features the Age-Group Standard distance World Triathlon Winter Championships, the Para Winter Triathlon World Championships, and the 2×2 Winter Triathlon Mixed Relay for Elites and U23/Juniors.
Further details and registration information will be available from January 8, 2024. In addition to the Pragelato event, a World Triathlon Winter Cup will be held in Harbin, China, on February 3-4, providing additional competitive opportunities for winter triathletes during the season.
This upcoming event in Pragelato is not just a sports competition; it’s a celebration of the enduring spirit of winter athletics and a testament to Italy’s rich history in winter sports and event organization.
