The men’s individual triathlon has been postponed due to tests indicating insufficient water quality levels in the River Seine. The race, originally scheduled to start at 07:00 BST (08:00 local time) on Tuesday, will now take place on Wednesday at 09:45 (10:45 local time), following the completion of the women’s event.
Swimming training sessions were canceled on Sunday and Monday because of the water quality issues caused by recent heavy rainfall. Friday, 2 August, remains a contingency date for both races, and organizers have mentioned that the event could be held as a duathlon if necessary.
“Tests conducted in the Seine today revealed that the water quality did not meet the necessary standards to allow the event to proceed,” World Triathlon stated. “Although there has been some improvement in water quality, readings at certain points in the swim course are still above acceptable limits.”
Great Britain’s Alex Yee is considered one of the favorites for gold in the men’s race, while his teammate Beth Potter is the reigning women’s world champion.
Daily tests on the water quality in the River Seine are ongoing, as it is also set to host the triathlon mixed relay on 5 August, the Olympic marathon swimming on 8 and 9 August, and the Para-triathlon event at the Paralympics, which begin on 28 August.
