The first training sessions have taken place at the Guidobaldi Stadium, giving athletes the chance to get familiar with the atmosphere, track and field event areas that will host the European Athletics U18 Championships from Thursday to Sunday. As all national teams continue to arrive in Rieti to complete the field of 48 participating countries, athletes from Ireland, France and Croatia were among the first to train in the warm-up area, getting used not only to the competition venue but also to the weather conditions. Due to the extreme heat, the morning competition schedule for all four days has been brought forward.
GUIDOBALDI READY FOR THE HEAT – With temperatures expected to exceed 38°C (100°F), the competition programme has been moved forward, following recommendations from the Local Organising Committee's Medical Commission and European Athletics. Events will now begin at 8:30 a.m. each day, between 30 and 60 minutes earlier than originally scheduled, to avoid the hottest part of the day for both track and field competitions.
A major heat management plan has also been put in place. Around 80,000 bottles of water have arrived at the Guidobaldi Stadium and will primarily be available for athletes, as well as volunteers and event staff, to help cope with the extreme temperatures, ensure proper hydration and provide relief during what is already being described as the hottest week of the year.
Reusable water bottles and multiple fresh water distribution points will be available throughout the venue, while the many public drinking fountains across the city will also help visitors from all over Europe stay hydrated as they explore the historic centre of Rieti before the competitions.
TEAM ITALY HAS ARRIVED, OFFICIAL TRAINING NEXT – Armed with plenty of water, sunscreen, hats and umbrellas, everyone is counting down to 16 July, the opening day of competition.
The official training session will take place on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Guidobaldi Stadium, where more than 1,100 athletes from 48 countries will have their final opportunity to prepare before competition begins on Thursday morning. Events will run through Sunday with two competition sessions each day, with the afternoon programme broadcast live on RaiSport.
Italy's 75-member national team has also arrived in Rieti, led by some of its brightest young stars: sprinter Kelly Doualla, hurdler Alessia Succo and shot putter Antony Del Pioluogo. They will also take part in Wednesday's official press conference alongside athletes from other European nations. Representing the host city will be two local athletes: middle-distance runner Cristina Morelli and discus thrower Matteo Innocenzio Varga.
The highlight of Wednesday will be the Athletes' Parade, as all participating nations march through the streets of Rieti from Piazza Cavour to Piazza Cesare Battisti, where the Opening Ceremony with local and sporting authorities will take place. The event begins at 6:00 p.m., giving the city the opportunity to welcome Europe and celebrate a truly historic occasion for Rieti.
TICKET OFFICE OPENING HOURS – Ticket sales for Rieti 2026 – European Athletics U18 Championships, taking place from 16 to 19 July at the Raul Guidobaldi Stadium, are now in full swing.
The physical ticket office, located at PalaCordoni, opposite the main entrance to the Guidobaldi Stadium, is open for spectators wishing to purchase tickets for the four competition days.
Opening hours:
- 13–15 July: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- 16–19 July: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Velino Tribune is now virtually sold out, both for individual sessions and full-event passes, confirming the tremendous interest surrounding the Championships. Seats are still available in the Terminillo Tribune, offering affordable prices so everyone can experience European athletics live. Tickets cost €5 per day, while a four-day pass is available for €15. Tickets can also be purchased online through TicketOne.