Knibb Takes Second at Iquique World Cup
Taylor Knibb finished runner-up in a photo finish at the World Triathlon Cup Iquique in northern Chile, one month after winning the Ironman World Championship in Kona.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Running
Taylor Knibb finished second at the World Triathlon Cup Iquique in Chile, crossing the line in a photo finish with Maria Carolina Velasquez Soto in a time of 55:47. Knibb recorded the fastest run split of the day at 16 minutes and three seconds.
Why it matters
The result shows Knibb returning to short-course racing just one month after winning the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Her close battle with Velasquez Soto highlights the competitive depth of the World Triathlon Cup circuit.
Knibb posted a swim split of 9:25 and a bike split of 28:50 over the 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike and five-kilometre run. Her 16:03 run split was the quickest of any athlete in the field, though the race ended in a photo finish with Velasquez Soto.
The players
Taylor Knibb
Taylor Knibb is an American professional triathlete known for her strong run leg and her success in both short-course and long-distance triathlon.
Maria Carolina Velasquez Soto
Maria Carolina Velasquez Soto is a Mexican triathlete who competes on the World Triathlon Cup circuit.
Marta Pintanel Raymundo
Marta Pintanel Raymundo is a Spanish professional triathlete who competes in World Triathlon Cup events.
The details
Knibb battled Velasquez Soto throughout the race before the pair finished in a photo finish at 55:47. Marta Pintanel Raymundo completed the podium in third place, six seconds behind the leaders.
Timeline
One month before the Iquique race, Knibb won the Ironman World Championship in Kona.
The Iquique race result was published on November 10, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Knibb's return to short-course racing so soon after her Kona title shows elite triathletes increasingly competing across both Ironman and World Triathlon Cup formats in the same season. The close finish with Velasquez Soto underscores how tightly contested the World Triathlon Cup field has become.
Fantasy and race-watching audiences should note Knibb's 16:03 run split, which signals strong form heading into future World Triathlon Cup events. The photo finish means small margins decided the podium, making run-leg performance a key factor to track.
The takeaway
Elite triathletes are increasingly moving between long-distance and short-course racing within a single season, and Knibb's Iquique result shows she can compete at the front of both. Watch run splits closely, as they often decide close finishes at the highest level.
Further reading
Explore more running coverage to see how endurance athletes are competing across different race formats.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gulf Daily News Online.
