CANYON ATHLETES AT THE 2026 KONA TRIATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Former World Champions Sam Laidlow, Patrick Lange, and Laura Philipp, plus Kat Matthews, Marjolaine Pierre, Imogen Simmonds and Kona newcomer Julie Derron on the start line for Canyon.
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Tuesday 6 October 2026: This October, the world of triathlon turns its eyes to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – the legendary stage of endurance, passion, and human performance. On Saturday 10th October 2026, the Men's and Women's Triathlon World Championships return to the Big Island, where the world’s best triathletes will battle scorching heat, relentless wind, and 226.3 km of pure racing on one of the toughest courses in the world.
From the climbs to the coastline, Canyon athletes are ready to take on Kona – equipped with the latest Speedmax CFR, the ultimate machine for aerodynamic efficiency and speed without compromise.
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The Race: Endurance. Strategy. Power.
From the first strokes in Kailua Bay to the windswept Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and the final stretch past the legendary Energy Lab, Kona tests every athlete to the limit. The 3.86 km ocean swim challenges even the strongest with unpredictable currents. Across 180 km, the bike course demands strength and control in the intense crosswinds. Finally, the 42 km marathon, with its rolling hills and high noon heat, pushes every ounce of endurance. To win or even just finish in Kona, it takes not only physical power but focus, grit and mental strength.
Representing Canyon: a world-class line-up of athletes
In the men's race, 2023 World Champion Sam Laidlow (FR, left) arrives in Hawaii off the back of an excellent 2026 season with course-record-setting performances at Challenge Roth and Ironman Lanzarote. His Canyon contenders for the crown include two-time world champion Patrick Lange (DE, middle), appearing in his final Kona race, and Jonas Schomburg (DE) who took his first full Ironman win this year at Ironman Kalmar in Sweden.
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In the women's race, 2024 world champion Laura Philipp (DE, below top row right) returns to Kona as a consistent top performer and one of the favourites to take the title. But challenging her will be Kat Matthews (UK, below top row left) who has had a strong 2026 season and comes with the determination to go one better than her second places at 2025's and 2024's World Championships. Canyon is also represented by Marjolaine Pierre (FR, second row left), Imogen Simmonds (CH, middle), and Kona newcomer Julie Derron (CH, right), who is set to challenge the world’s best in her first ever Kona Ironman.
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For the bike leg, Canyon athletes will rely on the new Speedmax CFR – a bike built to slice through the wind. Developed with an AeroID concept, the bike uses for four pillars - AeroShield, AeroFuel, AeroFit and AeroBase - to allow the world’s best triathletes to tune the bike towards their optimum performance levels. In the powerful crosswinds on Queen K Highway, the Speedmax CFR's AeroShield, AeroFit and AeroBase keeps riders steady, combining aerodynamic efficiency with stability and control. The integrated AeroFuel nutrition and hydration systems let athletes refuel without breaking their aero position. Every detail is designed to save watts and maximize speed. Built for the fastest on earth, it’s more than a bike – it’s total control in every move.
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Experience Kona with Canyon
Beyond the racing, Kona brings together the triathlon community like no other event in the calendar – and Canyon is here to fuel the race week with energy, inspiration, and connection: From Monday to Saturday (Oct. 5–10), Canyon invites editors, riders and fans to celebrate the unique spirit of endurance sport on the Big Island.
Throughout race week, the Canyon base at Island Lava Java on Aliʻi Drive becomes a hub for all things triathlon: from expert bike service for race participants and morning runs to coffee chats, live shows, and sunset sessions with the sport’s biggest names. Reach out if you want to join Canyon and their athletes for some pre-race excitement and insights. The full event schedule is listed below.
Event Schedule
Monday 5 October
10:00-18:00 Race bike service
Tuesday 6 October
09:00-11:00 Press conference Sam Laidlow
10:00-19:00 Race bike service
12-14:00 Lunch with Kat Matthews
Wednesday 7 October
07:00: Canyon x Ryzon morning swim with Paula Enzweiler
09:00-16:00: Race bike service
10:00: WeFemmes breakfast with Paula Enzweiler
17:30-19:00: CANYON x ERDINGER Last Dance with Patrick Lange
Thursday 8 October
07:00: Canyon x Ryzon morning run with Jan Frodeno
07:30-18:00 Lava Java watch the race live stream and cheering zone
All times are in local Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time.
If you can't be on the ground in Kona, follow Canyon Road on Instagram for live updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive athlete content throughout the race week.
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