WTCS Samarkand 2026 Official Start Lists: Georgia Taylor-Brown Returns and Cantero Bids for Back-to-Back
World Triathlon has released the official start lists for WTCS Samarkand 2026, the first race of the season following the postponement of Abu Dhabi. Racing takes place on 25-26 April in Uzbekistan — and the fields are loaded. This is also the first race where LA28 Olympic qualification points will be awarded, raising the stakes enormously for every athlete on the start line.
Women’s Race: Georgia Taylor-Brown Returns
The biggest headline from the women’s start list is the return of Georgia Taylor-Brown. The British superstar last raced at WTCS standard distance in 2024 and arrives in Samarkand having recently claimed a medal at the Lanzarote World Cup. Her fitness, form and race intelligence make her an immediate podium contender on her return to the top-tier circuit.
Cassandre Beaugrand leads the French challenge. The 2025 WTCS champion is in outstanding form after Leonie Periault clocked a stunning 1:09:25 at the Berlin Half Marathon in recent weeks, signalling that the French squad is battle-ready for the season opener. Britain’s Kate Waugh and Sian Rainsley complete a formidable GB contingent alongside Taylor-Brown.
Germany fields a deep team headed by Lisa Tertsch, with WTCS medallists Tanja Neubert, Nina Eim and Annika Koch all in contention. Selina Klamt, a former World U23 champion, adds another dangerous name to an already competitive field.
Men’s Race: Cantero Bids to Back Up Lanzarote
David Cantero Del Campo of Spain arrives as the form man of the men’s field. He won the inaugural Lanzarote World Cup in March 2026 — overcoming a 10-second penalty to take gold — and holds a maiden WTCS medal from Wollongong. Cantero has evolved from World Cup specialist to WTCS title contender and Samarkand is his chance to prove that Lanzarote was no fluke.
Maxime Hueber-Moosbrugger of France makes his WTCS debut in Samarkand having won the 2025 Samarkand World Cup. He knows this course better than almost anyone in the field and could immediately challenge for a senior series podium. Roberto Sanchez Mantecon accompanies Cantero in a strong Spanish squad.
Hungary’s Csongor Lehmann leads an unusually deep central European challenge, with Bence Bicsak and Mark Devay in support. Max Studer of Switzerland is a consistent performer capable of a top-five finish. American athletes and the wider international field will be racing for critical early-season LA28 points.
LA28 Points: Why This Race Matters More Than Ever
Samarkand 2026 is the first WTCS race where LA28 Olympic qualification points will be awarded. Every position across the entire field carries qualification weight for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, meaning the racing from the front to the back of the pack will be more intense than a typical season opener. Athletes who miss Samarkand due to injury or scheduling conflicts start their LA28 campaign at an immediate disadvantage.
How to Watch
WTCS Samarkand 2026 is free to watch globally on TriathlonLive.tv. Check the World Triathlon website for exact start times. The race is broadcast live on 25 April.
