Vitoria-Gasteiz and the Basque Country once again showcased why they are among Europe's most triathlon-friendly destinations as the VI Half Gasteiz delivered a spectacular day of racing, breathtaking scenerey, and record-breaking performances.
From the crystal-clear waters of the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir to the rolling roads of the Llanada Alavesa and the historic streets of medieval Vitoria-Gasteiz, athletes experienced one of the most scenic and well-supported middle-distance triathlon events in Spain. The 2026 edition further cemented the race's growing international reputation, attracting elite competitors and producing the fastest performances in event history.
Historic Day in Álava: Two Course Records Fall
This year's edition proved to be a landmark moment for the race. Both the men's and women's course records fell as Austria's Thomas Steger and Australia's Natalie Van Coevorden delivered outstanding victories.
Thomas crossed the finish line in Plaza de los Fueros in an incredible 3:41:37, lowering the previous course record by seven seconds. The former mark of 3:41:44 had stood since 2014 and was set by Spanish triathlon legend Javier Gómez Noya. Following his victory, Thomas paid tribute to the five-time world champion, describing Gómez Noya as "one of the best triathletes of all time."
Meanwhile, Van Coevorden produced a dominant performance in the women's race, stopping the clock at 4:07:18 and obliterating the previous course record by more than seven minutes.
A Fast Course Through Nature and History
For Thomas, the record-breaking performance came after completing a demanding course consisting of a 1.9 km swim in Ullibarri-Gamboa, a 90 km bike leg across the Álava Plains, and a final 21 km run through the historic center of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
The day began in Garaio Natural Park, where athletes entered the pristine waters of the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir. The 1.9 km swim offered stunning views of Álava's natural landscape and set the stage for an unforgettable race experience.
Cycling Across the Heart of the Basque Country
The bike course highlighted the region's beauty and brought triathlon closer to local communities throughout Álava. Covering 90 kilometers with approximately 480 meters of elevation gain, the route passed through Zuazo de San Millán, Gordoa, Galarreta, Zalduondo, Egino, Agurain, Guereñu, Alegría, Oreitia, Elburgo, Argómaniz, Zurbano, and Arkaute before entering Vitoria-Gasteiz via Elorriaga and the Álava Campus.
The fast and flowing roads of the Llanada Alavesa provided the perfect setting for elite athletes to push the pace while showcasing the region's unique landscape and welcoming atmosphere.
The Decisive Run Through Medieval Vitoria-Gasteiz
The final half marathon unfolded in the heart of the Basque capital. Athletes completed three laps through the city's medieval quarter before making their way to the finish line on Fueros Street, where enthusiastic crowds welcomed competitors home.
The vibrant city-center atmosphere once again demonstrated why Vitoria-Gasteiz has become one of Spain's most attractive destinations for endurance sports events.
Thomas Overcomes Mid-Race Challenges
Despite his commanding victory, Steger admitted the race was far from easy. "I had some stomach problems on the bike because of all the gels," he explained after the race. "My stomach felt very heavy. I almost threw up, but it was okay.' His ability to overcome those difficulties and still produce a course-record performance underlined the quality of his race execution.
Falling in Love with the Basque Country
What stood out most to the Austrian, however, was the experience of racing in the Basque Country for the first time. 'The swimming was beautiful. The Basque Country in general is also very beautiful. I had never been here or participated in the VI Half Gasteiz and I loved it.' His positive experience has already sparked thoughts of a return. 'Yes, I want to come back next year," Steger said. "It won't be easy to beat my own time again. I'm not getting any younger, but we'll see. I'll definitely try.'
Performance Snapshot
Swim
- 24min.:15sec. (2nd fastest split)
Bike
- 2h:01min:22sec.
- 2nd fastest split
- Approximately 660 meters of elevation gain
Run
- 1:12:28 (2nd fastest split)
Race Result
- Overall Winner
- Total Time: 3:41:37
- New VI Half Gasteiz Course Record!
Equipment Behind the Victory
Swim
- Wetsuit: pewag Sailfish Ultimate IPS Plus non-sponsored
Bike
- Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8 Disc Di2 (2021) Shimano Ultegra 11-speed groupset non-sponsored triathlon bike
- ERE Research GENUS AE00-D rear disc wheel non-sponsored / not confirmed
- fi'zi:k Transiro Hydra cycling shoes
- EKOI TT Helmet Pure Aero non-sponsored / not confirmed
Run
- ASICS Metaspeed Sky non-sponsored / not confirmed
Technology
- Polar Vantage V3 sports watch
Additional Achievement: Strava KOM
During the bike leg, Thomas also claimed the Strava KOM on the Gebara–Gereñu (VI Half) segment:
- Distance: 46.75 km
- Elevation Gain: 438 m
- Time: 1:03:28
- Average Speed: 44.2 km/h
- Average Power: 309 watts
Elite Podiums
Men's Elite Podium
- Thomas Steger (AUT) – 3:41:37
- Mikel Ugarte Ramos (ESP) – 3:44:27
- Mikel Mugica Bikuña (ESP) – 3:51:16
- Mateo Reddy (SUI) – 3:52:04
- Pello Osoro Gutierrez (ESP) – 3:52:26
Women's Elite Podium
- Natalie Van Coevorden (AUS) – 4:07:18
- Helene Alberdi Sololuce (ESP) – 4:17:12
- Chloe Nicolas (ESP) – 4:19:38
- Eneritz Urrutia Tena (ESP) – 4:27:20
- Sofia Aguayo Mauri (ESP) – 4:27:41
VI Half Gasteiz Continues Its Rise
Thomas Steger and Natalie Van Coevorden emerged as the defining names of a historic sixth edition of VI Half Gasteiz. With two course records, elite-level performances, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, the race continues its impressive evolution and is rapidly establishing itself as one of the premier middle-distance triathlon events in Europe.
For athletes seeking a world-class race experience that combines fast racing, spectacular scenery, rich culture, and passionate local support, Vitoria-Gasteiz and the Basque Country are proving to be an exceptional triathlon destination.
