The public is being encouraged to plan ahead for a series of temporary road closures, lane restrictions and traffic diversions which will be in place across Derry on Saturday 5 September for the 2026 Europe Triathlon Cup — City of Derry.
The major international sporting event will feature four Europe Triathlon Cup races alongside the City of Derry National Series Age Group race, bringing international athletes and hundreds of competitors onto courses across the city.
The race programme begins with the Europe Triathlon Cup Junior Men at 8.50am, followed by the Junior Women at 9.00am and the National Series Age Group race at 9.15am.
International elite racing returns in the afternoon, with the Elite Women starting at 4.30pm and the Elite Men at 6.30pm.
To allow the cycle sections of the races to take place safely, temporary traffic-management arrangements will operate at a number of locations throughout the day.
Residents, businesses and road users are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the restrictions and, where possible, plan alternative routes in advance.
Morning road restrictions — 8.00am to 11.40am
Queen’s Quay Embankment will be closed in both directions from 8.00am until approximately 8.00pm.
On Foyle Embankment, both southbound lanes will be closed, with a managed contraflow operating on the northbound lanes from 8.30am to 11.40am.
Foyle Road to Lone Moor junction will be completely closed to traffic during the return section of the Junior Elite races. This complete closure is expected to operate from approximately 9.15am to 9.45am.
Outside that period, and once the final Junior Elite athlete has cleared the section, Foyle Road will operate with a single lane and city-bound traffic only, as part of the wider traffic-management arrangements operating between 8.30am and 11.40am.
The lower deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed from 8.30am to 11.40am.
Letterkenny Road will be closed to traffic in both directions as far as Nixon’s Corner, while Mullennan Road will be closed in both directions as far as Newtownhamilton. Traffic-management arrangements and diversions will operate on both roads from 8.30am to 11.40am.
Road users should expect delays throughout the affected areas and follow all diversion signage and instructions from traffic-management personnel and marshals.
Evening elite races — 3.45pm to 7.30pm
Further restrictions will come into operation from 3.45pm until approximately 7.30pm for the cycle sections of the Europe Triathlon Cup Elite Women’s and Men’s races.
Queen’s Quay Embankment will remain closed in both directions as part of its all-day closure.
On Foyle Embankment, both southbound lanes will again be closed, with a managed contraflow operating on the northbound lanes from 3.45pm to 7.30pm.
Foyle Road to Moat Street will be completely closed to traffic and under traffic management from 3.45pm to 7.30pm.
The lower deck of Craigavon Bridge will also be closed for the duration of the elite race programme between 3.45pm and 7.30pm.
Each elite cycle race is expected to take approximately 25–30 minutes, with athletes completing four laps of a closed-road 5km circuit.
For athlete and public safety, vehicles and pedestrians will not be permitted to enter the race course while racing is taking place.
Technical Officials, marshals and traffic-management personnel will control access to the route.
All racing is expected to be clear of the roads by approximately 7.30pm, with affected roads reopening as soon as it is safe to do so. Queen’s Quay Embankment is expected to reopen at approximately 8.00pm.
Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge will remain open to pedestrians throughout the day, although access will be carefully managed in areas where athletes and pedestrians share the bridge.
Pedestrians should keep to the left of the cones, remain within the designated pedestrian area and follow instructions from marshals and event personnel.
Car park closures and alternative parking
A number of car parks along the race route will also be unavailable.
The Queen’s Quay and Derry City & Strabane District Council car parks, which will form part of the event site, will close to the public from 5.30pm on Friday 4 September and are expected to reopen from 8.00am on Sunday 6 September.
The Foyle Road and Foyle Valley Railway car parks will be closed throughout Saturday 5 September.
Alternative parking will be available at Ulster University Magee and Fort George, via the Catalyst entrance.
Please plan ahead
Anyone travelling through the affected areas on Saturday is encouraged to allow additional time and, where possible, use alternative routes during the periods outlined above.
Temporary traffic-management measures, signage and marshals will be in place throughout the day to help traffic move safely around the race routes.
The City of Derry Triathlon Local Organising Committee apologises for any inconvenience caused and has thanked residents, traders and road users for their patience and cooperation while this major sporting event takes place in the city.
Spectators are also being encouraged to come out and enjoy what promises to be an outstanding day of international sport, as some of Europe’s leading triathletes join competitors from across Ireland to swim, bike and run through the heart of Derry.
Full race day traffic and road closure information is available here.