Russian Athletes Shine at Historic First World Triathlon Women’s Cup in Dubai

The inaugural World Triathlon Women’s Cup Dubai was held today, marking the first time a World Cup event was dedicated exclusively to women. The new format was introduced with the aim of giving greater visibility and recognition to women’s triathlon. While the limited field of competitors and mostly lesser-known athletes raised questions about whether that objective was met, the race still delivered a decisive and memorable outcome.

With only fifteen athletes on the start line—most of them unfamiliar names on the global triathlon circuit—the competition unfolded without major surprises. Pre-race favourite Gwen Jorgensen struggled to find her rhythm and finished in sixth place, over a minute behind the leader.

Russia’s Valentina Riasova emerged as the standout of the event, claiming victory with a finishing time of 58:30. Fellow Russian Hanna Maksimava took second place in 58:43, while Hungary’s Dominika Peszleg rounded off the top three with a time of 59:04.