“Positioning during the initial lead-in lap is pivotal,” states Hayden Wilde, a dual Olympic medalist, as he evaluates the streets of Dubai ahead of the second-to-last event of the 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour happening this weekend.
Besides the tactical aspect, Wilde is evidently captivated by the location. “Dubai is among the world’s super cities, and racing on closed roads right through its core is an incredible experience,” he remarks, acknowledging the city’s distinct course that mainly spans Jumeirah and Meydan.
But admiration alone won’t secure a win. Wilde has achieved five victories from five starts in Singapore, London, the French Riviera, Spain, and Wollongong. He now enters Dubai aiming for a flawless six-for-six season.
Formidable opponents await him. Belgium’s Jelle Geens, the Vancouver champion and second in the standings, is joined by Germany’s Mika Noodt, ranked third. Both athletes could thwart Wilde’s attempt at a sixth consecutive win.
British star Kate Waugh aims to maintain her podium streak in the T100 World Tour. – Photo Dubai T100
“With just two races left before Doha, every position is crucial,” Wilde says. “There’s no room for relaxation.”
This weekend also marks a significant milestone for Dubai-based endurance athlete Ghani Souleymane, who will attempt his 100th consecutive T100 distance triathlon, a feat likely to earn a Guinness World Record.
Across both the men’s and women’s divisions, the stakes are equally high, as Wilde and Great Britain’s Kate Waugh arrive intent on extending their dominant leads in the Race to Qatar before the December finale.
“The course is well-suited for me,” Wilde adds. “Once we enter the lap circuit, it becomes relatively technical with several small climbs.”
Wilde’s Dubai campaign follows a remarkable recovery from a severe bike accident in Japan that resulted in a punctured lung, six broken ribs, and surgery on his scapula.
“When you’re confined to a hospital bed, you question if you’ll ever return to your former level,” he says. “Just being back at the starting line, racing with confidence again, is incredible. I’m treating every race as an opportunity and cherishing it.”
Waugh aims to extend her lead
On the women’s side, Kate Waugh has shown similar consistency. The British star has reached the podium in every T100 race she has competed in this season, securing victories in Singapore and Wollongong to build a nine-point lead over fellow Brit Lucy Charles-Barclay. With Charles-Barclay not competing in Dubai, Waugh sees a prime chance to expand her lead before the World Championship Final.
“T100 has allowed me to showcase the work I’ve put in over the years,” Waugh says. “It’s a new distance for me, but the season has come together perfectly. I’m hoping to maintain the momentum.”
The competition is fierce, though. Switzerland’s Julie Derron, USA’s Taylor Knibb, Jessica Learmonth, wildcard Georgia Taylor-Brown from Britain, and local talent Lottie Lucas will challenge Waugh from the very first swim at Jumeirah 3 Beach.
The iconic Dubai circuit
Saturday’s races will highlight Dubai’s renowned landmarks. Athletes will dive into the Arabian Gulf at Jumeirah 3 Beach, cycle past the iconic Meydan Racecourse, and sprint to the finish line with the Burj Khalifa looming above. The men’s pro race begins at 11:30 local time, followed by the women’s at 13:30.
Besides elite racing, Dubai T100 offers a festival for all athletes. Amateur participants will tackle distances from the sprint triathlon to the full 100km T100, with events including the Duathlon Relay, School Aquathon, and The Music Run.
The 2025 T100 World Tour has seen triathletes stretch their limits across Singapore, San Francisco, Vancouver, London, the French Riviera, Spain, and Wollongong. The series’ points system counts each athlete’s best four races plus the Qatar World Championship Final, emphasizing the importance of consistency and strategy.
Dubai now represents the penultimate opportunity to gain an advantage before Doha. With more points on offer at the finale, championship standings can shift significantly in a single race, keeping athletes and fans eager.
At A Glance
Dubai T100 Triathlon
Saturday, November 15
Race Start Times
· Men’s Pro Race: 11:30 (live broadcast from 11:15)
· Women’s Pro Race: 13:30
Watch: Free globally on PTO+, or via Eurosport, Max, Discovery+, beIN Sports, and Dubai Sports. Full details: t100triathlon.com/dubai/pro
Participation & Info: www.t100triathlon.com/dubai/participate
