The inaugural Collins Cup debuts this weekend with the world’s greatest triathletes competing to win a $1.5 million prize, the largest ever in the history of the sport.
Named after Judy and John Collins, who were instrumental in establishing the sport, and hosted by the Professional Triathlete Organization, the event officially kicks off Friday and competition begins Saturday in Šamorín, Slovakia.
Since its inception, the triathlon has prioritized gender equality, with women and men racing the same distance over the same course for equal prize money. In that spirit, the Collins Cup offers equal prize money, broadcast airtime and promotion/support for the women and men competing this weekend.
Women who compete with the PTO also receive 15 months of paid maternity leave without losing their spot in the world rankings.
How the Collins Cup works
Team U.S., Team International and Team Europe each feature 12 athletes (six women and six men) who will compete in individual race matches consisting of a 2km swim, 80km bike and an 18km run.
How it’s scored
The winner of each 12 race matches will be awarded three points. The runner-up earns two points and the third-place contestant receives one point.
Additionally, athletes will earn 1/2 bonus point for every time they beat their opponents by a two-minute margin in their respective races. At the end of the competition, the team with the most points takes home the $1.5 million prize.
Who’s competing?
U.S. Olympians Katie Zaferes (2021 Tokyo Olympics silver and bronze medalist) and Taylor Knibb (2021 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist) headline Team USA’s roster. Four-time Ironman World Champion and four-time 70.3 World Champion Daniela Ryf lead the way for Team Europe, while multiple Ironman winner Lisa Bentley captains Team Internationals.
When and how to watch
The Collins Cup will air on the official Collins Cup website starting at 6:30 a.m. ET on Saturday. The broadcast will run for the full seven-hour event.