Fourteen years after the last triathlon competition in the Principality, the sport made an impressive comeback in Monaco on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Around 1,200 athletes took part in the Monaco International Triathlon, a two-day sporting event stretching from Larvotto Beach to the roads of the surrounding hinterland and the famous Formula 1 circuit. William Mennesson and Aurélie Morizot claimed victory in the L-distance races, while Mathieu Merland and Lorenza Beccaria triumphed over the M distance.
Monaco Welcomes Back Triathlon After 14 Years
The Monaco International Triathlon marked the return of a sport that had not been contested in the Principality for fourteen years.
Over two days, Monaco welcomed athletes ready to take on a unique challenge combining swimming in the Mediterranean, cycling along the roads of the surrounding hinterland and running through an exceptional urban setting.
On Sunday morning, competitors set off from Larvotto Beach, the starting point for the main events.
Following the swimming section, participants headed onto the cycling routes before completing their races in the heart of Monaco, against the world-famous backdrop of the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.
This spectacular setting gave the first edition of the Monaco International Triathlon a particularly distinctive appeal.
Around 1,200 Athletes Start from Larvotto Beach
Despite the event taking place in November, weather conditions proved favourable for competitors.
With water temperatures of approximately 20 degrees Celsius and calm seas, triathletes were able to complete the opening stage of their races in good conditions.
Around 300 competitors entered the L-distance triathlon, which began with a two-kilometre swim.
They were followed by approximately 700 athletes competing over the M distance, whose swimming section covered one kilometre through the Mediterranean.
An additional 200 athletes participated in the relay events offered across the different race formats, bringing total participation to nearly 1,200 competitors.
The strong turnout highlighted the considerable interest generated by the return of triathlon to the Principality.
William Mennesson Dominates the L-Distance Race
In the men's L-distance competition, William Mennesson delivered an outstanding performance.
He emerged from the swimming section in first place, having already established a lead of almost 40 seconds over Gabin Sage.
The French athlete then extended his advantage throughout the cycling section, increasing his lead to approximately eleven minutes by the end of the bike course.
Never surrendering the lead, Mennesson crossed the finish line victorious, confirming his dominance from the opening swim to the final stages of the race.
Men's L-Distance Results:
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William Mennesson
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Maxence Castel
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David Marchaud
Aurélie Morizot Claims Victory with an Impressive Lead
The women's L-distance competition was also marked by a commanding performance.
Aurélie Morizot took the lead within the first few hundred metres of the swimming section and maintained her advantage throughout the entire race.
By the time she crossed the finish line, she had established an extraordinary 45-minute lead over her nearest rival, Marie Parmentier.
Carolina Cobos completed the women's podium.
Women's L-Distance Results:
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Aurélie Morizot
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Marie Parmentier
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Carolina Cobos
Her performance demonstrated exceptional strength and consistency across a demanding course combining all three triathlon disciplines.
Mathieu Merland and Lorenza Beccaria Win the M-Distance Events
Two further athletes added their names to the winners' list of the Monaco International Triathlon in the M-distance competitions.
In the men's race, Mathieu Merland, representing AS Monaco Triathlon, secured victory over his competitors.
The result was particularly symbolic for the Principality's local club, celebrating the return of competitive triathlon to Monaco after a fourteen-year absence.
In the women's event, Lorenza Beccaria claimed the M-distance title, joining the first winners of this new sporting event in Monaco.
A Sporting Event in an Exceptional Setting
Between the Mediterranean Sea, the hills of the surrounding hinterland and the world-famous streets of the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monaco International Triathlon offered a course combining athletic challenge with spectacular scenery.
The sport's return after fourteen years represents another significant addition to the Principality's sporting calendar.
With around 1,200 participants, several race formats and outstanding athletic performances, this edition demonstrated Monaco's potential to successfully host an international triathlon event.
A remarkable comeback that could pave the way for a new sporting tradition in the Principality.