Paralympic triathlons postponed due to River Seine water quality

Three Irish triathletes are due to compete.

Sun, 01 Sep, 2024 - 15:47

Ed Elliot

Paralympic triathlon events scheduled to take place on Sunday in Paris have been postponed for 24 hours due to a decrease in the water quality of the river Seine.

Rain in the French capital during the past two days has left the river unsuitable for swimming.

Paris 2024 organisers and World Triathlon said the health of athletes is their priority.

All 11 triathlon races have been rescheduled for Monday, subject to water quality thresholds being met.

"Following a meeting held on September 1 at 3:30am attended by representatives of World Triathlon, Paris 2024 and the relevant French authorities involved in monitoring the conditions of the Seine and the weather, the decision has been taken to postpone the Para triathlon competitions which were due to be held on 1 September," read a joint statement from Paris 2024 and World Triathlon.

"The latest tests show a decrease in water quality in the river following the rain episodes over the last two days.

"As a result, the water quality at the competition venue on Sunday, September 1 is not suitable for swimming and above the threshold established by World Triathlon.

"It has been decided to schedule all 11 Para triathlon medal events on September 2."

Ireland's Chloe MacCombe is due to make her Paralympic debut, accompanied by her guide Catherine Sands, racing in the para triathlon (PTVI). Her twin sister Judith will also make her debut in the same competition with guide Eimear Nicholls.

Cassie Cava, a two-time World Triathlon Grand Finals bronze medallist, will also make her first appearance at the Games for Team Ireland in the PTS4 race.

Para triathlon events feature a 750-metre swim in the Seine, a 20-kilometre cycle down the Champs-Elysees, Avenue Montaigne and Pont des Invalides, followed by a five kilometre run to the Quai d'Orsay, finishing at Pont Alexandre III.

Triathlon and marathon swim events were impacted by the water quality of the river at the recent Olympic Games.

Paralympic triathlon races were initially scheduled to be spread across Sunday and Monday.