For North West Triathlon Club, the return of the City of Derry Triathlon at Europe Triathlon Cup level is a landmark moment for the local triathlon community.
Ryan Williams, Chair of the club, said: “The return of the City of Derry Triathlon has been long awaited and is widely regarded as one of the standout races on the Triathlon Ireland calendar. Its return as a Europe Triathlon Cup is hugely inspiring for local athletes and highlights Derry’s ability to host triathlon at the highest level.”
North West Triathlon Club is hosting the international event with support from Triathlon Ireland, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and corporate partners. The club previously staged several National Series City of Derry Triathlon events with open water swims in the River Foyle and up to 550 competitors.
The club hosted an International Triathlon Union race in Derry city centre in 1995. The event drew a host of world-class triathletes and was won by Australian legend Brad Bevan, followed by future Olympic gold medallist (Athens, 2004) Hamish Carter of New Zealand in second place.
NWTC also hosts the annual Liam Ball Triathlon, Ireland’s longest running triathlon event and the annual Buncrana Duathlon as well as several formal club training events.
NWTC continues to support triathlon participation across junior as well as senior levels in the region, with a dedicated junior club where the development of future challengers and aspiring champions is supported and nurtured.
Ryan adds: “With a strong junior club at the heart of NWTC, hosting a Europe Triathlon Cup on home soil gives our young athletes a tangible pathway to aspire to. Seeing elite racing in their own city makes the dream feel real and achievable.”
The 2026 City of Derry Triathlon — featuring Senior and Junior Elite Europe Triathlon Cup races alongside the Triathlon Ireland National Series Age Group race — ensures that local athletes will witness international competition in their home city.
The Europe Triathlon Cup status elevates the profile of the event while reinforcing Derry’s established position on the national triathlon calendar.