Elite Energy, the organizer of the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals, which also hosts the Standard Distance Aquabike World Championship, has released some intriguing details about the racecourse and event schedule.
If you’ve read my race report about the Aquabike Standard Distance World Championship last October, you might remember that several issues arose during and after the race – some of which remain unresolved. While certain matters are still pending and may have lasting repercussions (at least, I hope so), there have been some recent developments that I’d like to share.
In this final part of our 2024 Aquabike Season Review, we highlight the races with the narrowest and widest winning margins. Last year, we witnessed some thrilling finishes with mere seconds separating first and second place, alongside commanding performances where the winners left the competition far behind. Let’s dive into the closest and clearest victories in aquabike races during the past season.
The standard distance world championship in Torremolinos was not only the largest race of the season but also the biggest event in the history of aquabike – by a significant margin. Unfortunately, the race didn’t provide a great experience for all athletes, and some issues remain unresolved. We’ll delve deeper into those in an upcoming article.
Unsurprisingly, the long-distance world championship in Townsville was the second-largest race of the year. However, what stands out is that it also ranks among the biggest aquabike races ever. This is especially noteworthy given that aquabike is still a relatively young discipline in Australia. A remarkable 367 athletes took to the start line Down Under, making it the third-largest race in aquabike history, surpassed only by Torremolinos and the 2019 world championships in Pontevedra.
In the second part of our 2024 season review, we highlighted the record-breaking growth in the number of races and athletes participating in aquabike events worldwide. But the season also brought some remarkable individual achievements. Can you imagine competing in 24 races in a single year? Or covering a racing distance of over 700 kilometers within one season? Some athletes were exceptionally active in the 2024 aquabike racing season – and highly successful, too. In this part of our review, we honor these dedicated aquabike athletes.
In 2024, a total of 1,178 aquabike races took place across 34 countries worldwide – an impressive 10% increase compared to 2023. Following the significant growth of previous years, this continued expansion is a highly encouraging development.
As expected, the majority of races were held in the United States, with a total of 651 events. This represents a slight decrease of two races compared to the previous year, largely due to event cancellations or conversions into bike-only races (which are not counted as aquabike events). Many of these changes were caused by hurricanes and their aftermath, particularly toward the end of the year. In Canada, the number of races also saw a minor decline, dropping from 76 to 75.
Across the Atlantic, however, aquabike experienced remarkable growth.
More races, more athletes and the biggest aquabike race in history. 2024 was another record-breaking year for our still-young multisport discipline. In the second part of our season review, you’ll see plenty of record-setting numbers. But first, let’s take a look at how the championship races and some of the other major events of the season unfolded.
Aquabike racing is a dynamic and rapidly growing multisport event that combines swimming and cycling, leaving out the run segment found in triathlons. You will dive into a swim segment followed by a challenging bike ride, with the race concluding after you cross the timing mat at the end of the cycling leg.
Often known as “Swim, Bike, Done!”
Aquabike is an excellent option if you who want a taste of multisport racing without the impact of running, making it especially appealing if you are recovering from injuries, seeking a low-impact alternative, or simply looking to focus on their strengths in swimming and biking.
Why choose aquabike?
It offers you a fantastic balance of endurance and skill, allowing you to hone your swim and cycling performance. Plus, it can be a stepping stone if you are considering a triathlon or a standalone challenge for those who thrive in these two disciplines.
Whether you’re new to endurance sports or a seasoned triathlete, aquabike is a versatile and inclusive option.
The 2025 Long Distance Triathlon and Aquabike World Championships will take place as the final race of the World Triathlon Multisport World Championships on June 29th. This marks the second time, after 2019, that the event will be hosted in the Galician town in the northwest of Spain, which also held the Standard Distance World Championships in 2023.
The race venue will remain the same as in previous events, and the swim course in the Río Lérez is also unchanged. However, this could be the first time the swim spans the full 1.9 km distance, as it was shortened due to low water temperatures in 2019. Back then, the event was held in early May, but with the championships now scheduled for late June, water temperatures are less likely to pose an issue.
As an aquabike athlete, you know the thrill of racing against the clock, the strength you feel in the water, and the freedom of cycling on open roads. But what happens when race season is over, or you’re not actively preparing for a specific event?
It’s tempting to think of the off-season as a time to step back completely, but maintaining a structured maintenance plan during this period can be a game-changer for your performance, health, and long-term success.
Here’s why every aquabike athlete should prioritize a maintenance plan, along with how my tailored plans on TrainingPeaks and Final Surge can support your goals.