Sam Dickinson bids to beat Singapore humidity in triathlon season opener

Dickinson, who was part of the British squad to win mixed relay Olympic bronze at Paris 2024, enters the 2026 season with growing confidence

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Sam Dickinson may be a ‘pasty ginger’ but believes he has what it takes to conquer the Singaporean humidity and make a strong start to his 2026 T100 campaign.

Dickinson, who was part of the British squad to win mixed relay Olympic bronze at Paris 2024, enters the 2026 season with growing confidence after a season of steep learning and adaptation on the T100 circuit.

Talking to the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) preview show, Countdown To Singapore T100 which is available now on YouTube, the 28-year-old – who will take on reigning T100 World Champion Hayden Wilde and a high caliber field that includes half the current PTO World Rankings top ten – said: “I believe that my potential’s a bit higher than what I’ve been showing so far.

“If you want to be the best in the world, you’ve got to race the best in the world.”

After stepping up to the PTO’s signature 100km distance (2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run) in 2025 from short course racing, Dickinson embraced the unknown and quickly demonstrated he belongs at the sharp end of the field.

“I wanted to really find out where I was compared to those guys. I was like, ‘There’s no reason why I can’t be in the mix with these boys,’ and just go out there and see what happens.”

That mindset paid dividends, with strong performances in France, where he finished on the podium in third, highlighting his capability – whilst 5th in Spain, 6th in Wollongong & Dubai and then 8th at the Qatar T100 Finals leading to 8th place overall in the 2025 T100 Race To Qatar – provided critical lessons in heat management, pacing, and nutrition; all key factors for success in Singapore’s challenging conditions.

“I learned a lot last year – whether that was heat, nutrition, or execution,” Dickinson explained. “All of that knowledge I’ve put into my training, and now it’s about maximizing it this season.”

Singapore will mark Dickinson’s first appearance at the event where the heat and humidity present a unique challenge even for seasoned athletes. Yet the Brit has leaned into preparation, focusing heavily on heat adaptation to ensure he arrives ready to compete.

“It’s not really my forte on paper being a pasty ginger” he joked. “But I respond really well to heat prep. If I do that properly, I should not be disadvantaged on the start line.”

Dickinson is under no illusions about the demands of racing in such conditions.

“The best way to describe it is unpleasant,” he said. “You’ve got to respect the environment. You can’t push the same power or speeds, so it’s about understanding that, taking your medicine early, and hopefully finishing stronger.”

Despite the intensity of the challenge, Dickinson remains focused on process over pressure.

“The pressure has to come from within,” he said. “It’s about executing my race plan and being dialled into what I need to do.”

As the new T100 season begins, Dickinson embraces both the uncertainty and opportunity that comes with a fresh start.

“There’s nerves — you don’t know who’s had a good winter or who’s going to set a new bar,” he said. “But that’s exciting. Singapore is where we find out.”

For Dickinson, the moment that matters most comes just before the race begins.

“When you get to the start line and everything’s done — that’s the best bit. Everything’s ticked off, and then it’s all on you. That’s the fun part. That’s racing.”

With meticulous preparation behind him and a clear belief in his abilities, Dickinson arrives in Singapore ready to make a statement — positioning himself firmly among the athletes to watch at the opening men’s race of the 2026 T100 Triathlon World Tour.

This weekend’s fourth event in Singapore promises to be the biggest yet, with more than 7,000 amateur participants of all ages and abilities expected.

The PTO announced for the first time Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run) and Sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) distance triathlons will be included with a new Youth Aquathlon (400m swim & 3km run for 14-18 year olds). Alongside the returning 100km triathlon and Long (9km run, 64km bike, 9km run) and Standard (6km run, 32km bike, 3km run) distance duathlons and 5km Music Run. For more details visit: https://t100triathlon.com/singapore/participate/

The Singapore T100 Triathlon will be broadcast live on TNT Sport in the UK from 0700 on Saturday 25 April. Fans can also watch globally for free on Triathlonlive.tv ”