How to watch triathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

We explain what triathlon events are on at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics from 25-31 July and how to watch them

Published: July 23, 2021 at 9:05 am

That's right, the 2020 Olympics are finally happening, a year later than planned to the date. Set to be one of the hottest Olympic Games in history, with temperatures menacing to climb over 30° Celsius at times, the much-awaited Tokyo Games will inspire and motivate fans watching around the world as the best athletes in history battle it out to be crowned number one.

The official opening ceremony will take place on Friday 23 July, while the three triathlon Olympic events will take place from 26 - 31 July. Here's how you can watch...

Who is on the GB triathlon team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

Women's Team:

Jess Learmouth

Vicky Holland

Georgia Taylor-Brown

Men's Team:

Jonny Brownlee

Alex Yee

Read more on the Team GB triathlon squad

What triathlon events are on at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

10:30pm BST Sunday 25 July ((Monday 26 July, 6:30am local time) - Elite men's Olympic triathlon race

10:30pm BST Monday 26 July (Tuesday 27 July, 6:30am local time) - Elite women's Olympic triathlon race

11:30pm BST Friday 30 July (Saturday 31 July, 7:30am local time) - Mixed relay Olympic triathlon race

What is the triathlon course at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

Olympic triathlon course
Map of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic triathlon course

The three triathlon races at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will all follow the same course based in the man-made beach resort of Odaiba Marine Park in the centre of Tokyo, known for the imposing figure of the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Odaiba to Tokyo. The races will follow a multi-lap format with a single transition area, which should prove great viewing for supporters along the route.

The initial two-lap 1.5km swim will start in the sheltered Tokyo Bay, the pancake flat draft-legal 40km bike course will then cover 8 x 5km laps of Odaiba Park, and the final sprint run leg will be 4 x 2.5km laps along the shoreline of Tokyo Bay.

The relay format for each of the four relay team members, comprised of two men and two women is: 300m swim (one lap), followed by a 6.8km bike leg (two laps), and a 2km run (two laps) to finish.

How can you watch the triathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

The BBC will be providing extensive coverage of the Olympic Games, including the three triathlon events, also available on the red button. Don't have a TV? Don't worry, the races will also be available via BBC iPlayer.

Don't live in the UK? Those watching in the United States can find exclusive coverage on NBC and its network channels including the new streaming platform, Peacock TV. Whilst those in Australia can watch via channels broadcasted by Seven West Media, including 7Plus.

Stay up to date with all things Olympics via the Official Olympics Website.

Got Olympic fever? Make sure you know the lyrics to your national anthem! And for our British readers here are the lyrics to God Save The Queen

Top image credit: Getty Images

Don’t miss the ‘220 guide to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics’, on sale 8 July. Our 17-page section include essential viewing information, course routes, Team GB profiles, and our pick of the top individual and mixed relay contenders. Plus, we countdown the top 20 Olympic triathlon moments and speak exclusively to two-time Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee about his new book, Relentless: Secrets of the Sporting Elite.