Pollution in the River Seine has led to the cancellation of Monday’s swimming training for Olympic triathletes in Paris, marking the second consecutive day of such cancellations after Sunday’s familiarization session was also called off due to the same issue.
According to a statement released on Monday by Paris 2024 and World Triathlon, tests have revealed that the water quality remains below acceptable standards.
The organizations emphasized their commitment to prioritizing the health of the athletes.
The men’s triathlon is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. If water quality fails to meet the required standards on race day, the event has contingency plans for August 1 and 2.
Should the water still be unsuitable, the swimming portion will be canceled, turning the event into a duathlon with only biking and running legs.
Earlier tests in July had indicated that the Seine was safe for swimming, but heavy rainfall in Paris on Friday and Saturday has deteriorated the water quality.
The Paris 2024 and World Triathlon statement explained that Sunday’s tests showed water quality levels insufficient for the event, attributing the poor results to the rain on July 26 and 27.
The statement expressed optimism about the water quality improving before the triathlon competitions on July 30, given the weather forecast for the next 36 hours.
Heavy rainfall often leads to untreated sewage being washed into the river, but the statement noted that, during summer conditions with more sunshine and higher temperatures, the Seine’s water quality had significantly improved.
Should water quality not improve, the open water 10km swimming events scheduled for August 8 and 9 might be relocated to Vaires-sur-Marne on the Marne River, east of Paris.
Monday’s swimming leg of the triathlon familiarization had been slated for 07:00 BST, but only the bike and running training will proceed as planned.
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