The French triathlon federation technical director shared that triathletes expressed disappointment and anger upon learning that the event scheduled for today had been canceled. The athletes were already at breakfast when they received the news, having their pre-race meal as usual. Despite the initial emotions, the director emphasized the importance of accepting and channeling these feelings into resilience and positivity.
Benjamin Maze acknowledged the athletes' disappointment, noting that they had been preparing for this moment for years. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of outdoor sports, particularly in triathlon, where challenges like water pollution can impact events. The decision to cancel the race was made due to poor water quality levels in the River Seine, prompting a rescheduling to prioritize the health of the athletes.
Paris 2024 and World Triathlon emphasized that athlete well-being is paramount, with water quality tests revealing insufficient guarantees for holding the event as planned. The heavy rains in Paris over the weekend raised concerns about water quality in the river, underscoring the need to prioritize safety and health considerations.
