Istanbul dazzled as the perfect stage for an unprecedented double-header weekend, bringing cross-continental triathlon action to the very nexus where Europe meets Asia. The city came alive, not just physically bridging continents, but also uniting communities and celebrating the spirit of sport right on the shores of the Bosphorus. For the first time, both the European and Asian Championships took place at a single venue, with race days split between the continents—a thrilling format that intensified the atmosphere and excitement.
Saturday began with the Women’s European Championships and the Men’s Asian Championship in standard distance, followed on Sunday by the Women’s Asian Championship and the Men’s European Championship, ensuring a showcase of both continents’ finest athletes. The beautifully prepared park, stylish pontoon, and iconic waters provided a dramatic backdrop as anticipation built and the world watched triathlon’s elite gather for battle.
Saturday’s Elite Women’s race set the tone, erupting in a flurry of speed, strategy, and grit. The tension was palpable as powerful swimmers like Tilly Anema (GBR) and Bianca Seregni (ITA) surged ahead in the Bosphorus, carving out early leads. Out of the water and onto the bike, race dynamics shifted quickly. Yet it was Jolien Vermeylen of Belgium, already the European sprint champion, who proved unstoppable. Dominating both physically and mentally, Vermeylen stormed through the final 10km run to take gold in 01:55:35. Diana Isakova (AIN) displayed tremendous tenacity to claim silver just seconds behind, while Tilly Anema (GBR) delivered a gutsy performance to earn bronze.
On Sunday, it was the Elite Men’s turn to electrify Istanbul. The race blasted off with a powerful swim by Jules Rethoret (FRA), Panagiotis Bitados (GRE) and Ian Pennekamp (NED), all of them to try to break away form the early stages hungry to be out front. The challenging bike course demanded technical skill and teamwork, with riders navigating both sharp turns and flat-out sprints as they jockeyed for position. As competitors transitioned to the run, Max Studer of Switzerland emerged as the man to beat. With a flawless pacing, Studer surged ahead, clinching the European title in 01:44:18. Not far behind, Bence Bicsák of Hungary fought tooth and nail for the silver, and Panagiotis Bitados of Greece rounded out the podium after an impressive run home.