Bilbao Triathlon 2027 plans return with middle-distance race

Plans for the return of Bilbao Triathlon 2027 propose a middle-distance-only race in Bilbao, with a 1,900-metre swim, 90 km of cycling and a 21.1 km run. The new details emerged on 5 November 2026, following the cancellation of the 2026 edition.

Return date yet to be confirmed

On 23 October 2026, the organisers pledged to work towards bringing the race back in mid-2027. October has also been provisionally suggested, creating a discrepancy over when it will return. No specific date has been confirmed.

The plans would move away from the multiple formats of previous editions and focus exclusively on middle distance. The cycling leg would be non-drafting.

Coastal swim and new routes

The proposal includes completely new routes, subject to official approval. The swim would move from the Bilbao estuary to the Biscay coast, in the open waters of the Cantabrian Sea.

The cycling route would venture into other parts of the province. The run would retain its urban character and cover more of Bilbao’s main thoroughfares.

The final routes, elevation profiles for each leg and registration opening dates have yet to be officially announced.

Ascentium and Dani Ibarrola lead the project

Ascentium will deliver the project alongside Dani Ibarrola. The company is responsible for the local organisation of IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz, while Ibarrola is the current director of ZuiaDu.

The new leadership says its goal is to put the experience of age-group athletes at the heart of the event. The organisers linked the return to a new phase of leadership and management.

2026 cancellation and registration refunds

The organisers announced the cancellation of the 2026 edition on 23 October, when registration was already open and athletes had signed up. They also said they would refund completed registrations, although it has not been confirmed whether the refunds have been made.

After reviewing the organisational situation, they explained that they could not guarantee the necessary standards of quality, safety, athlete support and experience. Among the reasons, they also cited issues involving the federation arising from the date change and a clash with other nearby events.