MetaSprint Series Builds Momentum with New XL Category After Dramatic Aquathlon Comeback
- SportPlus News
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
From Comeback Aquathlon to the Launch of XL Racing, the MetaSprint Series Signals a Bold New Era for Multisport in Singapore
SINGAPORE, 9 February 2026 - The MetaSprint Series continues to surge forward as one of Singapore’s most exciting multisport race series, with the successful return of the Aquathlon yesterday marking a major milestone for the 2026 season.
Against a backdrop of unexpected challenges and last-minute changes, athletes, organisers, and supporters came together to deliver a race weekend defined by resilience, energy, and an unbreakable community spirit.
This year’s Aquathlon was anything but ordinary. From crocodile sightings at Sentosa a week ago that halted all water activities and logistical curveballs that pushed the event back by a week, the journey to race day tested everyone involved.
Yet when the gun finally went off, the atmosphere was electric. The delayed start only seemed to heighten the sense of anticipation, and the result was a powerful reminder of why the MetaSprint Series continues to grow year after year.
More than 1,300 athletes took to the course, supported by partners, clubs, and schools who embraced every twist with positivity and determination. From tense moments on the start line to celebrations at the finish chute, the venue pulsed with emotion and excitement, turning this edition of the Aquathlon into a true comeback story.
A New Chapter: The Arrival of the XL Category
One of the most exciting developments this season is the introduction of the new MetaSprint XL category, a bold addition that reflects the evolving ambitions of the local multisport community. Designed for athletes ready to take on longer distances and deeper physical and mental challenges, the XL category offers a natural progression beyond traditional sprint racing.
The debut of XL racing at the Aquathlon showcased exactly what this new format represents. It is not just about covering more distance, but about smarter pacing, stronger endurance, and sharper race execution. For developing athletes, it provides a meaningful next step. For experienced competitors, it opens a new arena to test limits and chase fresh performance goals. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, signalling strong appetite for this expanded racing pathway within the MetaSprint Series.
Thrilling Racing Across XL and Sprint Categories
On course, the Aquathlon delivered compelling race action that underlined the competitive depth of the series. In the XL Women’s race, the swim leg immediately set the tone, with Melanie Speet asserting control early through a commanding 19:42. She was closely followed by Cindy Beleau and Erina Koyasu, both delivering strong, composed performances that kept the pressure on throughout the race.
The XL Men’s race provided a gripping battle that stayed alive right through to the run. With athletes pushing hard in the closing stages, Iain Manson’s outstanding 35:04 run proved decisive, carrying him to the overall XL title in a time of 1:00:45. His performance set an early benchmark for the new category and highlighted the level of racing that XL is set to attract.
The Sprint race brought its own drama and intensity. Cheng Yu Lim seized early control with a lightning-fast 9:33 swim and held his nerve through the run to secure the overall Sprint victory in 27:48. A close teammate challenge added to the excitement, with near-identical swim times and an even faster run from the chaser. In the end, razor-sharp transitions made the difference, proving once again that in sprint racing, every second truly counts.
Celebrating Clubs, Schools, and the Power of Community
Beyond individual performances, the Aquathlon also celebrated the collective strength that defines the MetaSprint Series. Tribal Triathlon Singapore was crowned Club Champion after a day of consistently strong results, while International French School claimed top honours as School Champion, showcasing the growing impact of youth and school-based participation in the sport.
These achievements reflect more than podium finishes. They highlight how the MetaSprint Series continues to serve as a platform for teams, schools, and clubs to build culture, develop athletes, and strengthen the wider multisport ecosystem in Singapore.
The Season Continues: Duathlon and Triathlon Ahead
With the Aquathlon complete, attention now turns to the next major chapters of the MetaSprint Series. The MetaSprint Series Duathlon on 15 March will take place at the iconic F1 Village, offering athletes the rare opportunity to race on wide, smooth, fully closed roads designed for speed, safety, and pure adrenaline. The combination of run and bike disciplines promises fast, tactical racing and an atmosphere that captures the true spirit of competitive multisport.
The season will then culminate with the much-loved MetaSprint Series Triathlon on 29 March at East Coast Park. Set against lush greenery and scenic coastal routes, this event brings together swim, bike, and run in a spectator-friendly environment where cheers carry athletes all the way to the finish. It is a celebration of effort, progress, and passion — a fitting finale for athletes who have trained, raced, and grown throughout the series.
Your Next Milestone Awaits
The MetaSprint Series is more than a collection of races. It is a journey of personal milestones, shared experiences, and continuous progression. Whether athletes are stepping up into the new XL category, sharpening their speed in Sprint, or preparing for the challenges of Duathlon and Triathlon, there is still time to be part of the action.
The momentum is building. The community is growing. And your next challenge is already on the horizon.
You haven’t missed your chance. Your next milestone is waiting. #MetasprintSeries #Aquathlon