Bermuda’s next generation of triathletes are set to test their mettle on the international stage this weekend as four youth prospects head to the 2026 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, February 15th, serves as an event towards Youth Olympics Points, it is a vital stepping stone for regional talent aiming for the elite ranks, providing a high-pressure environment against the finest young athletes from across the Caribbean and Americas.
In the Elite Female field, Madison Schindel carries the island's hopes. Sporting the number 12, Schindel enters the race following a period of intensive training geared toward the draft-legal format that defines this developmental circuit.
For Schindel, the Bridgetown course—notorious for its technical bike legs and humid conditions—will provide a stern examination of both her endurance and tactical awareness.
The Men’s Elite field features a strong Bermuda contingent, with three athletes vying for a spot on the podium.
Gianluca Bortoli (number 35) brings significant experience to the squad, having previously secured a third-place overall finish at the Cambridge Beaches Bermuda Triathlon. He is joined by Sanchez Smith (number 41), a versatile competitor who recently made waves with a fourth-place finish at the Clermont Draft Legal Challenge in Florida.
Completing the trio is Lucas Bule (number 47), who will be looking to capitalize on the lessons learned during a challenging international season in 2025.
The Development Regional Cup is more than just a single race; it is part of a broader strategy by World Triathlon to identify and nurture talent in emerging nations.
For the Bermudian quartet, success in Barbados would not only yield vital ranking points but also reinforce the island’s reputation as a nursery for world-class triathlon talent—a legacy bolstered by the likes of Dame Flora Duffy.
|
