Not only the heat, but also the presence of blue -green algae plays the triathlon of Oud Gastel. The organization of the sporting event that takes place on Saturday has had to decide to cancel the three longest distances and to completely delete the swimming part at the other games. Participants now only have to walk and cycle. The warm weather also has consequences for the De Maasdijk running event, where the Marathon section has been canceled.
Participants had to swim in De Vliet for the Triathlon. Nothing seemed wrong with the test swimming earlier this week, the blue -green algae was seen on Wednesday. In consultation with various authorities, including the municipality of Halderberge, the Red Cross and the Water Board, the organization eventually had to decide to take measures and to cancel swimming. “A decision that has not been made lightly,” says the organization.
“We have seriously looked at an alternative swimming location, but that turned out not to be done in such a short term. We also first focused on extra measures against the heat, such as extra water posts and care of our volunteers.”
Ultimately, the combination of blue -green algae and the extreme weather forecast led to partial cancellation of the event. The shorter distances are now only running and cycling. The starting times are also early. “With pain in our hearts we had to adjust the program. Safety of participants and volunteers is always paramount,” the organization says.
The 39th Triathlon was dominated by 750 years old Gastel.
The Maasdijk
Also at the De Maasdijk running event they say they are forced to adjust the program. The marathon disappears from the program, but all other parts are finished as planned. Also because the organization is used to dealing with warm weather, Marco Leenders, chairman of Athletics Association Oss ’78, said to Omroep Brabant before. “We are actually designed to get hot, heat is no longer an exception.”
All running parts start around the warm weather an hour later, namely just after seven o’clock in the evening. The organization also says it will pay close attention to the participants and to get people from the competition if necessary. There are also many water posts. The participants in the hiking components can start an hour earlier in the morning.
Extreme heat
It was announced on Wednesday that more sporting events in Brabant may not continue due to the expected extreme heat. For example, a football tournament in Helmond has been canceled and the Half Marathon of Roosendaal will most likely not take place.