The triathlon world won’t have to wait long for its first true blockbuster of 2026. This coming weekend, Challenge Sir Bani Yas takes center stage, and the race in Abu Dhabi boasts a start list that is nothing short of mouth-watering. With nearly ninety professional athletes on the line, the field is impressive both in depth and in outright quality, featuring a remarkable collection of world-class contenders.
On the women’s side, around thirty professionals are set to race, with much of the spotlight shining on debutant Jolien Vermeylen. The Belgian star has enjoyed great success on the short course and arguably experienced the best season of her career last year. In 2026, she is ready for a new challenge, stepping up to the Middle Distance for the first time – and the Olympian athlete has chosen the demanding conditions of the Middle East for her debut.
Vermeylen is expected to race aggressively at the front, but victory will be anything but guaranteed. She will face stiff competition from a formidable group that includes Ellie Salthouse, Natalie van Coevorden, Justine Mathieux, Fenella Langridge, and Magda Nieuwoudt among others. The course on Sir Bani Yas Island is as honest as it is brutal: a swim in pretty hot open water, followed by a bike leg over rolling, exposed roads featuring a steep climb and relentless hot winds. The run, contested under high temperatures, has proven decisive in the past. Last year’s edition turned into a true survival test, with several professionals forced to abandon early.
If the women’s race promises fireworks, the men’s field may deliver even more. Nearly sixty professionals will battle for the win, with an extraordinary list of favorites that includes Jonas Schomburg, Caleb Noble, Pieter Heemeryck, Thomas Davis, William Mennesson, Henri Schoeman, Andreas Dreitz, Max Stapley, Pierre Le Corre, Kieran Lindars, Thomas Bishop, and Thomas Davies. Defending champion Jonathan Guisolan should not be overlooked either. After mainly impressing on the bike last year, he has taken another step forward in recent months – and knows the course inside out.
Challenge Sir Bani Yas stands out as a truly unique event in every respect. Athletes race across the island surrounded by giraffes, antelopes, cheetahs, and other wildlife, creating spectacular and surreal visuals – something already evident in last year’s edition. During the swim, competitors may even spot dolphins and turtles. Adding to the experience is the option to stay aboard a luxury cruise ship, which serves as accommodation for many athletes and supporters and docks directly next to the start and finish area.
Last year’s impression: