David Cantero wins the Triathlon World Cup in Lanzarote 2026 after a thrilling finish
The Lanzarote – Costa Teguise 2026 Triathlon World Cup kicked off the World Triathlon international calendar with a top-level sporting spectacle. The main star of the day was Spanish triathlete David Cantero, who secured a spectacular victory after beating Germany’s Tim Hellwig in a dramatic sprint finish.
The race also delivered outstanding performances from Spanish athletes and confirmed the high level of international triathlon in a competition that marks the beginning of the Olympic cycle towards Los Angeles 2028.
From Papagayo Bike, we would like to congratulate all participants for their effort, dedication, and the incredible atmosphere you brought to the event. It was a pleasure to see you being part of this experience.
David Cantero conquers Lanzarote with a spectacular comeback
Valencia-born David Cantero claimed victory at the Lanzarote World Cup with a time of 54:45, finishing just three seconds ahead of Germany’s Tim Hellwig (54:48). Morocco’s Jawad Abdelmoula (55:01) completed the podium after an impressive comeback in the running segment.
The men’s race began with France’s Igor Dupuis and Spain’s Kevin Tarek Viñuela leading the swim. Cantero exited the water in ninth position and also had to serve a 10-second penalty, making his challenge even more difficult.
A thrilling race finale
After a highly tactical cycling segment with a large lead group, everything was decided in the run. Cantero managed to open a small gap before serving his penalty, but Hellwig took advantage of that moment to gain the lead.
Far from giving up, the Spanish triathlete stayed composed and gradually closed the gap, catching his rival in the final meters and securing victory in a spectacular sprint in front of the Costa Teguise crowd.
Cantero’s splits were:
Swim: 9:07
Bike: 29:38
Run: 14:16 (fastest split)
This victory confirms the triathlete from Aldaya as one of the leading figures in Spanish triathlon this season.
Strong performance from the Spanish TriArmada
Beyond Cantero’s victory, several Spanish triathletes delivered remarkable performances:
David Cantero – 54:45
Tim Hellwig – 54:48
Jawad Abdelmoula – 55:01
Izan Edo – 55:06
Roberto Sánchez Mantecón – 55:07
Antonio Serrat – 55:10
Pelayo González – 55:20
The presence of multiple Spanish athletes among the top positions highlights the strong momentum of the Spanish TriArmada on the international stage.
Nina Eim wins the women’s race
In the women’s event, Germany’s Nina Eim claimed victory with a time of 1:02:14 after an intense battle in the final run segment.
British athlete Georgia Taylor-Brown, world champion and Olympic medalist, finished second, while Germany’s Laura Lindemann completed the podium.
Marta Pintanel, top Spanish finisher
Aragonese triathlete Marta Pintanel delivered an outstanding performance, finishing fourth, just 20 seconds away from the podium.
Top women’s results:
Nina Eim – 1:02:14
Georgia Taylor-Brown – 1:02:19
Laura Lindemann – 1:02:22
Marta Pintanel – 1:02:34
Miriam Casillas – 1:02:55
Noelia Juan – 1:03:29
Pintanel even led the group into the second transition, showcasing her excellent form.
Lanzarote opens the 2026 international triathlon calendar
The World Cup held in Costa Teguise brought together around 120 elite triathletes from more than 30 nationalities, competing for the first points in the international ranking.
Additionally, around 300 amateur and age-group triathletes took part in parallel races held during the morning.
This event marks the official start of the 2026 World Triathlon international calendar and the first step in the qualification process for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
David Cantero wins the Triathlon World Cup in Lanzarote 2026 after a thrilling finish
