How do different classes race fairly together in para triathlon?
I · Intermediate · Classes and the start · 1 of 5Athletes start in the water, together or in waves by class and gender. Where classes share a medal event, less impaired classes have a set time added to their finish: at sprint distance, PTWC2 men get 3 minutes more than PTWC1, and PTVI2 or PTVI3 men 2 minutes 51 seconds more than PTVI1. The Head Referee may switch to a mass start.
How it works
- Start: in the water.
- Waves: same class and gender together.
- Interval start: classes start at set gaps.
- Compensation: time added to less impaired classes.
- PTWC2 men: plus 3:00.
- PTWC2 women: plus 3:38.
- Reclassified: time adjusted.
- Duathlon: two waves, wheelchair athletes first.
The glossary has the compensation time, the interval start system, the wave start (para triathlon), the swim (para triathlon), the medal events and the PTWC1 and PTWC2.
Tricky cases
A PTWC2 athlete finishes first. Have they won?
Only if they still lead after 3:00 is added.
Who enters the water last?
The wheelchair classes.
Can the referee scrap the staggered start?
Yes, for a mass start.
Does reclassification change a result?
Yes. The time is adjusted.
Why the rule exists
Adding time to the less impaired lets one race produce a fair result for two classes. The first across the line may not win.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PTWC2 | Time added | 17.5f |
| PTVI2 and 3 | Time added | 17.5f |
| Duathlon | Two waves | 17.5d |
From the rule book
World Triathlon, Competition Rules (2026, amendments to 29 April 2026), articles 17.5 and 17.11 and Appendix L. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Triathlon Competition Rules, Section 17.