Here we are – the penultimate stop before the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final – and it promises to be a thriller. Last year, Dubai hosted the season finale where Taylor Knibb and Marten Van Riel were crowned the inaugural T100 champions.
After their recent Ironman World Championship appearances, both Marten and Taylor are returning to Dubai for more T100 action. For Marten, this marks his first T100 race since Vancouver in June, where he finished second. Taylor’s last T100 was in London in early August, where she claimed third, after impressive second- and first-place finishes in San Francisco and Vancouver. But as the T100 enters its second year, the field has never been stronger, and both athletes will be up against some of the best in the business in Dubai.
Men’s Race
Thirteen contracted athletes will be racing in Dubai, but the key question on everyone’s mind is: Can anyone stop Hayden Wilde?
Let’s be blunt. Wilde has been untouchable in the T100 series. He is five for five over this distance and holds the record for the most T100 wins since the series began in 2024. His consistency, aggression on the bike, and relentless pace on the run have made him the benchmark. Dubai could see him chase an incredible six-for-six streak.
One question is whether top swimmers like Jamie Riddle, Marten Van Riel, and Samuel Dickinson can put enough pressure on Wilde in the water to create a meaningful gap. But no matter any potential deficit out of the swim, it will be a tall order to hold Hayden off to the finish line.
Another athlete to watch is Mika Noodt. His commitment to the T100 distance this year has been remarkable. With four consecutive podium finishes, he has proven himself to be one of the most consistent performers on the circuit.
Notably absent is Jelle Geens, who has come closest to defeating Wilde – but hasn’t quite managed to pull it off yet.
Dark Horses
– Youri Keulen: He earned his first podium of the season in Wollongong, marking his best T100 result since his initial victory in Singapore in 2024. Could this signal the start of fresh momentum that Youri can carry into the closing stages of his season?
– Jamie Riddle: He has been one of the most exciting athletes to watch since his wildcard T100 debut in San Francisco, where he delivered a gutsy fifth-place finish despite serving a penalty. Riddle has shown he’s willing to push from the gun and go all in for the podium.
Women’s Race
The women’s race will feature four of the top five athletes in what promises to be another incredible showdown: Kate Waugh, Lucy Charles-Barclay, Julie Derron, and Taylor Knibb. These athletes currently sit in first, second, fourth, and fifth in the series standings, respectively.
The last time these women faced off was in London, in what many hailed as the most exciting T100 race to date. Whether you’re a devoted fan or a new one in the making, this is a race you will not want to miss!
This race will also play a crucial role in shaping the series standings ahead of the Qatar World Championship Final. Notably, Taylor Knibb has only raced three times compared to most athletes’ four, giving her a valuable opportunity to climb higher in the rankings.
Adding further depth to the field is Jess Learmonth, who has already secured two T100 podiums and currently sits sixth in the standings. Her aggressive racing style from the gun and powerful swim will add firepower for athletes like Lucy looking to establish early gaps.
Canadian fans can also look forward to seeing Paula Findlay back on the start line. She’s been enjoying a phenomenal season, with four 70.3 victories and a runner-up finish at the T100 French Riviera.
Dark Horses
– Georgia Taylor-Brown: If you’ve been following the series, you will remember Georgia’s standout performance in the French Riviera, where she led much of the race before fading near the end of the run. As she gains more experience over this distance, she certainly has podium potential.
– Hannah Berry: Could Hannah contend for her first-ever T100 podium? Her recent fourth place at the Ironman World Championship was quietly impressive, and she’s showing the signs of being ready for a breakthrough performance.
Overall, the Dubai T100 promises to be one of the highlights of the season as the series moves toward its climax.
How to Watch
The men’s race starts Saturday, November 15th at 11:30am local time in Dubai (UTC+4), followed by the women’s race at 1:30pm. You can tune in live on the T100 Triathlon YouTube Channel or PTO+ Livestream for full coverage and race-day commentary.
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