Athletes looking to experience the excitement of race day without the run can now enter the inaugural City of Derry Aquabike, which has been added to the City of Derry Triathlon programme on Saturday, September 5 2026.
The new event will give competitors the opportunity to complete the same swim and bike courses as triathlon participants, combining the iconic River Foyle swim with the city-centre bike route before finishing at transition in Ebrington Square.
The City of Derry Aquabike will start alongside the triathlon race and follow the same course throughout the swim and bike disciplines.
Race Director Laura Colhoun said the addition of an Aquabike event was designed to make the City of Derry Triathlon accessible to a wider range of athletes.
“We are delighted to introduce the City of Derry Aquabike as part of the 2026 race programme. Not every athlete may want to complete a full triathlon, but many still crave the challenge and experience of open water swimming and cycling on race day.
“The Aquabike provides another way for people to be part of the event, whether they come from a swimming background, a cycling background, are returning from injury, or simply prefer those two disciplines. It allows more athletes to experience the atmosphere, excitement and achievement of race day in the heart of the city.”
Open to athletes aged 16 and over, the City of Derry Aquabike will cover the same sprint-distance swim and bike courses as the City of Derry Triathlon.
Competitors will start alongside triathletes before completing the River Foyle swim and city-centre bike course, finishing at transition after the bike leg.
Participants will receive a finisher medal, and prizes will be awarded to the leading Aquabike competitors in each age group.
The addition of the Aquabike further expands the City of Derry Triathlon programme, which already includes the Europe Triathlon Cup elite races and the Triathlon Ireland National Series Age Group race.
Laura believes the new event will attract both experienced competitors and athletes taking part in a major multisport event for the first time.
“One of our objectives is to make race weekend as inclusive as possible. The Aquabike gives more people the opportunity to take part in a professionally organised event and experience the unique atmosphere of racing through Derry’s city centre.”
Entries for the City of Derry Aquabike are now open via the City of Derry Triathlon website, with registration managed through the official Triathlon Ireland entry system.