With triathlon season well under way and the Triathlon World Series in full swing we thought what better time to compile a list of the best triathlon destinations in the world. Now a triathlon may seem like a daunting feat tackling all three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running but with stunning routes and exceptional scenery we may just be able to persuade you to give it a try!
5. London, UK
Although it is in our 5th place position, the London Triathlon actually has the highest mass participation of any triathlon in the world so 12,000 people can’t be wrong! Depending on your ability there are four distances available – super sprint, sprint, Olympic and Olympic plus and you can enter as a team relay or tackle the whole course yourself. Starting at the London Docklands for the swim, the cycle will see sites such as Westminster Bridge and Tower Hill ending back at the Docklands for the run. To find out more information at http://thelondontriathlon.com/.
4. Alpe D’Huez, France
Regarded as one of the most iconic climbs in the Tour de France so it’s no wonder this has been turned into one of the top destinations for triathlon. If you don’t mind a hill (or two or three!) then this destination will provide some of the most stunning backdrops to a race. And you’ll be treading the same tarmac as some of the most famous road riders. For more information, visit http://www.alpetriathlon.com/en.
3. Windsor, UK
You can’t get more English than swimming in the River Thames, cycling round Windsor Castle and running around Eton College. So we had to include the Windsor Triathlon as one of our top triathlon destinations. This event has been awarded the BTF’s ‘Event of the Year’ an incredible 7 times in its 26 years. To find out more visit http://humanrace.co.uk/event/windsor-triathlon/.
2. Hawaii, USA
Now this may be an ironman but we cannot leave it off the list! The ultimate goal of any serious triathlete’s career will be to qualify for a place at the Ironman World Championships held in Kona, Hawaii. Now you may not qualify for the race but simply being out there to watch and swim, run and cycle around the state is a must for the bucket list. Find out more about the Championships here: http://eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/world-championship.aspx#/axzz42W7r8vTa.
1. Blenheim, UK
Held in the grounds of one of the country’s most prestigious stately homes you can’t beat a transition in a palace courtyard and a swim in the estate’s own lake! You can gaurentee a big finish with plenty of people turning out to cheer the participants on in some of the most grandeur of locations! This is one for all the family and a favourite of the Brownlee brothers no less! To find out more visit http://theblenheimtriathlon.com/.