On first impressions and via the television coverage, the Leeds ITU World Triathlon event appeared to be a great advert for British Triathlon and the city of Leeds. However countless athletes who competed in the age-group event before the elite races on Sunday have complained of poor organisation, with some forced to wait for hours before they could collect their bags containing warm clothes, mobile phones and cash, from transition.
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While it was a great day for British triathlon in the pro ranks, with a Brownlee 1-2 in the men’s race and a podium for Vicky Holland in the women’s, age-groupers were left to feel second best, as reports of the transition areas being unsafe were reported on social media the day before the event. Athletes spotted hazards underfoot such as glass and nails and no carpeting was in place to protect bare feet and bike tyres.
Numerous athletes also complained about the baggage collection system. The vans for transporting bags to and from the transition areas were reportedly not big enough to take all luggage to the city centre collection points, meaning later waves were sent back to the swim venue at Roundhay Park (a 30min shuttle bus journey) before having to wait even longer to collect belongings while missing the elite races. Many complained of being cold and frustrated after finishing.
Mike Higgins said: “I was annoyed and disappointed. I quickly realised I was going to miss most of the women’s (elite) race. My second race of the day was to get to Roundhay and back in the time Gwen, Non and Flora could do a 40km bike and a 10 km run if I was going to see the finish!
“If a van can take three boxes and a box can take sixty bags and you have 6,000 competitors with two bags, and a maximum of eight vans, and each journey takes about one hour return and needs some loading time, I worked out that would take 14 hours to transport everything – it’s no wonder we were waiting for hours!”
A photo of the transition area for age-groupers, which many participants have said was “unsafe underfoot”. Credit: Don Whiley
Age-grouper Claire Fineran also highlighted the health and safety implications of competitors being left without access to warm clothing, money or means of contacting friends and relatives: “Numerous cold, wet, tired, frustrated and angry competitors were told to navigate their way on their bikes back to the start to collect their things. This was meant to be world class event. Imagine being a visitor to the city and being told to fend for yourself in such a despicable and quite frankly dangerous manner.
“I for one finished my race at 11am and was finally reunited with warm clothing at 4.30pm following five and a half hours after standing around in wet, cold clothing. Had the weather not held, Leeds General Infirmary would have been inundated with hypothermic competitors. I do not say that lightly.”
British Triathlon released a statement from CEO Jack Buckner apologising for the issues with baggage collection; however many participants commenting on the BTF’s Facebook page were not impressed, with some saying the apology fell short of the mark. Below are some of the grievances aired on Facebook by age-groupers:
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In association with British Triathlon, the event was organised by the Ironman Corporation, who after acquiring Lagardère Sports earlier in the year took over the running of five ITU events in 2016.
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Did you race at WTS Leeds, or were you a spectator? Did you have a positive experience of the event? Email us at [email protected]
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On first impressions and via the television coverage, the Leeds ITU World Triathlon event appeared to be a great advert for British Triathlon and the city of Leeds. However countless athletes who competed in the age-group event before the elite races on Sunday have complained of poor organisation, with some forced to wait for hours before they could collect their bags containing warm clothes, mobile phones and cash, from transition.
Advertisement
While it was a great day for British triathlon in the pro ranks, with a Brownlee 1-2 in the men’s race and a podium for Vicky Holland in the women’s, age-groupers were left to feel second best, as reports of the transition areas being unsafe were reported on social media the day before the event. Athletes spotted hazards underfoot such as glass and nails and no carpeting was in place to protect bare feet and bike tyres.
Numerous athletes also complained about the baggage collection system. The vans for transporting bags to and from the transition areas were reportedly not big enough to take all luggage to the city centre collection points, meaning later waves were sent back to the swim venue at Roundhay Park (a 30min shuttle bus journey) before having to wait even longer to collect belongings while missing the elite races. Many complained of being cold and frustrated after finishing.
Mike Higgins said: “I was annoyed and disappointed. I quickly realised I was going to miss most of the women’s (elite) race. My second race of the day was to get to Roundhay and back in the time Gwen, Non and Flora could do a 40km bike and a 10 km run if I was going to see the finish!
“If a van can take three boxes and a box can take sixty bags and you have 6,000 competitors with two bags, and a maximum of eight vans, and each journey takes about one hour return and needs some loading time, I worked out that would take 14 hours to transport everything – it’s no wonder we were waiting for hours!”
A photo of the transition area for age-groupers, which many participants have said was “unsafe underfoot”. Credit: Don Whiley
Age-grouper Claire Fineran also highlighted the health and safety implications of competitors being left without access to warm clothing, money or means of contacting friends and relatives: “Numerous cold, wet, tired, frustrated and angry competitors were told to navigate their way on their bikes back to the start to collect their things. This was meant to be world class event. Imagine being a visitor to the city and being told to fend for yourself in such a despicable and quite frankly dangerous manner.
“I for one finished my race at 11am and was finally reunited with warm clothing at 4.30pm following five and a half hours after standing around in wet, cold clothing. Had the weather not held, Leeds General Infirmary would have been inundated with hypothermic competitors. I do not say that lightly.”
British Triathlon released a statement from CEO Jack Buckner apologising for the issues with baggage collection; however many participants commenting on the BTF’s Facebook page were not impressed, with some saying the apology fell short of the mark. Below are some of the grievances aired on Facebook by age-groupers:
Launch Gallery
In association with British Triathlon, the event was organised by the Ironman Corporation, who after acquiring Lagardère Sports earlier in the year took over the running of five ITU events in 2016.
Advertisement
Did you race at WTS Leeds, or were you a spectator? Did you have a positive experience of the event? Email us at [email protected]
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Swimrun has definitely crossed the waters from Sweden to become the new multisport craze – and this weekend sees founding brand ÖtillÖ (Swedish for ‘island to island’) host its new UK qualifier in the Scilly Isles.
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In total 240 athletes will compete in teams of two for spots in the world championship race on 5th September, 2016. Competition is sure to be fierce, however to finish athletes must cross a total distance comprising 30km of running and 7.5km of swimming. The course starts in St. Mary’s and also visits Tresco, St. Martin’s and Bryher as competitors swim between islands then run across them, taking in beautiful and varied scenery along the way.
The race has attracted athletes from 15 countries including the current women’s ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Champion, Annika Ericsson from Sweden. Also competing (in seperate teams) is some serious UK swim talent – seven-time world champion triathlete Richard Stannard (aka ‘the Fish’) and Swim Smooth founder and head coach Paul Newsome.
Live tracking is available for the race on Saturday, follow the link here. Plus click here to find out more about other ÖtillÖ qualifying races.
Issue 327 of 220 Triathlon includes a complete guide to swimrun kit for would-be swimrunners. Click here to subscribe.
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See an image gallery from the 2015 world championship race here.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Swimrun has definitely crossed the waters from Sweden to become the new multisport craze – and this weekend sees founding brand ÖtillÖ (Swedish for ‘island to island’) host its new UK qualifier in the Scilly Isles.
Advertisement
In total 240 athletes will compete in teams of two for spots in the world championship race on 5th September, 2016. Competition is sure to be fierce, however to finish athletes must cross a total distance comprising 30km of running and 7.5km of swimming. The course starts in St. Mary’s and also visits Tresco, St. Martin’s and Bryher as competitors swim between islands then run across them, taking in beautiful and varied scenery along the way.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
The race has attracted athletes from 15 countries including the current women’s ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Champion, Annika Ericsson from Sweden. Also competing (in seperate teams) is some serious UK swim talent – seven-time world champion triathlete Richard Stannard (aka ‘the Fish’) and Swim Smooth founder and head coach Paul Newsome.
Live tracking is available for the race on Saturday, follow the link here. Plus click here to find out more about other ÖtillÖ qualifying races.
Issue 327 of 220 Triathlon includes a complete guide to swimrun kit for would-be swimrunners. Click here to subscribe.
Advertisement
See an image gallery from the 2015 world championship race here.
“It is a pleasure to announce that Lausanne, the “Olympic Capital”, has been awarded the World Championships in 2019,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. “The 2019 season will be a pre-Olympic year in which athletes are vying for Olympic spots. What better place for athletes to race for major Olympic qualifying points than in the Olympic Capital itself.
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“The decision came down between two exceptional bids between Edmonton and Lausanne. It was a very difficult decision and we thank both cities for their desire to host the Grand Final. With the naming of the 2019 ITU Grand Final host, we now have the World Championship races confirmed for the next three years, which puts triathlon in a fantastic position.”
The stunning city of Lausanne, which is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), has hosted triathlon races since 1998 when the Swiss city welcomed the ITU Triathlon World Championships for the first time. Lausanne then held ITU’s pinnacle triathlon event again in 2006, as well as the Sprint World Championships in 2011.
Lausanne is also a two-time host of the ITU Mixed Relay World Championships, and has also organised World Cups, European Cups, and European Championship races.
The event will also crown world champions in junior and U23 categories, as well as Paratriathlon. The city will also welcome thousands of age groupers who will compete to call themselves the fastest in the world.
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The event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ITU Triathlon World Championships as the first ones were held in Avignon, France in 1989.
“It is a pleasure to announce that Lausanne, the “Olympic Capital”, has been awarded the World Championships in 2019,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. “The 2019 season will be a pre-Olympic year in which athletes are vying for Olympic spots. What better place for athletes to race for major Olympic qualifying points than in the Olympic Capital itself.
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“The decision came down between two exceptional bids between Edmonton and Lausanne. It was a very difficult decision and we thank both cities for their desire to host the Grand Final. With the naming of the 2019 ITU Grand Final host, we now have the World Championship races confirmed for the next three years, which puts triathlon in a fantastic position.”
The stunning city of Lausanne, which is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), has hosted triathlon races since 1998 when the Swiss city welcomed the ITU Triathlon World Championships for the first time. Lausanne then held ITU’s pinnacle triathlon event again in 2006, as well as the Sprint World Championships in 2011.
Lausanne is also a two-time host of the ITU Mixed Relay World Championships, and has also organised World Cups, European Cups, and European Championship races.
The event will also crown world champions in junior and U23 categories, as well as Paratriathlon. The city will also welcome thousands of age groupers who will compete to call themselves the fastest in the world.
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The event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ITU Triathlon World Championships as the first ones were held in Avignon, France in 1989.
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Stuart Hayes finished the Olympic distance race in 1:54:28, less than a minute ahead of young Tom Davis with David Bartlett in third. World Duathlon Champion Emma Pallant’s winning time of 2:06:06 was too strong for the opposition. Sarah Lewis (Freespeed) and Emma Deary (Stortford Tri) also performed excellently and took second and third respectively.
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Winner of the shorter Sprint distance was Mark Yeoman in 1:19:44 (Viceroys) in the male category, with Ben Ashwell and Duncan Allan completing the podium. The female winner was Carol Bridge (Rhondda Tri Club) in 1:26:59, closely followed by Bridget King and Karen Roake (B2P Tri Club).
Around 2,000 triathletes of all abilities took on the triathlon, which included a start in the River Thames and a final run in the shadow of the unmistakeable Windsor Castle. Many were racing to try and claim a much sought after place on the podium, whilst others were taking part with the sole ambition of finishing, with many choosing to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The swim route (1,500 metres Olympic, 750m Sprint) is predominantly downstream arguably favouring the weaker swimmers, before a quick dog-leg and an exit next to Alexandra Park where transition is located. After transition the bike course (40km Olympic, 30km Sprint) was where many looked the most comfortable, followed by the run (10km Olympic, 5km Sprint.
New for 2016 was the Club Championship, allowing members of triathlon clubs to represent their team on race day. The female title went to Berkshire Tri Squad, with Team Dillon taking the male silverware.
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In the relays Team Beecroft picked up the sprint title, with Team Choppers claiming the Olympic. The oldest winners on the day were Tom Rylance (79) and Daphne Belt (76), with Tom completing the run section barefoot! Many other awards were handed out to each of the age group winners, with full results available from www.humanrace.co.uk/results
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Thinking about competing next year? The Windsor Triathlon will return on Sunday 18th June 2017. Registration is already open for those who want to take up the challenge, with a £20 discount if you enter in the next few days
Windsor Triathlon – race tips
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Stuart Hayes finished the Olympic distance race in 1:54:28, less than a minute ahead of young Tom Davis with David Bartlett in third. World Duathlon Champion Emma Pallant’s winning time of 2:06:06 was too strong for the opposition. Sarah Lewis (Freespeed) and Emma Deary (Stortford Tri) also performed excellently and took second and third respectively.
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Winner of the shorter Sprint distance was Mark Yeoman in 1:19:44 (Viceroys) in the male category, with Ben Ashwell and Duncan Allan completing the podium. The female winner was Carol Bridge (Rhondda Tri Club) in 1:26:59, closely followed by Bridget King and Karen Roake (B2P Tri Club).
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Around 2,000 triathletes of all abilities took on the triathlon, which included a start in the River Thames and a final run in the shadow of the unmistakeable Windsor Castle. Many were racing to try and claim a much sought after place on the podium, whilst others were taking part with the sole ambition of finishing, with many choosing to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The swim route (1,500 metres Olympic, 750m Sprint) is predominantly downstream arguably favouring the weaker swimmers, before a quick dog-leg and an exit next to Alexandra Park where transition is located. After transition the bike course (40km Olympic, 30km Sprint) was where many looked the most comfortable, followed by the run (10km Olympic, 5km Sprint.
New for 2016 was the Club Championship, allowing members of triathlon clubs to represent their team on race day. The female title went to Berkshire Tri Squad, with Team Dillon taking the male silverware.
Advertisement
In the relays Team Beecroft picked up the sprint title, with Team Choppers claiming the Olympic. The oldest winners on the day were Tom Rylance (79) and Daphne Belt (76), with Tom completing the run section barefoot! Many other awards were handed out to each of the age group winners, with full results available from www.humanrace.co.uk/results
Thinking about competing next year? The Windsor Triathlon will return on Sunday 18th June 2017. Registration is already open for those who want to take up the challenge, with a £20 discount if you enter in the next few days
Windsor Triathlon – race tips
.
The beautiful Central American country of Costa Rica is to hold a Ironman 70.3 race in June 2017. The inaugural event will take place on Sunday, June 18, 2017, in Playa del Coco, Guanacaste, located on the Pacific Coast.
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“With its beautiful natural landscape and indigenous flora and fauna, Costa Rica is the ideal place to host an Ironman 70.3 race,” said Wilber Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Miami Tri Events and Colombia Tri Events and licensee of this new race. “We are confident that this event will become a classic as participants cross the finish line in a stunning location that will let them know their effort was worthwhile.”
The triathlon begins with a 1.9km one-loop swim in the Gulf of Papagayo, while riding the 90 km two-loop bike course through the region’s lush vegetation, will give participants the chance to see monkeys and iguanas, if they take their eyes off the road.
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The 21 km (13.1 mile) run course takes place between palm trees with an ocean view and brings athletes to the finish line in breathtaking Playa del Coco, Guanacaste.
“It is a great honour to welcome athletes and their families from around the world to our country,” said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica. “This is an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy the race with thousands of supporting spectators.”
“Costa Rica’s lavish rainforests, beautiful beaches on the Pacific Ocean and endless biodiversity make it the perfect destination race,” expressed Edwin Vargas, Vice President of Colombia Tri Events. “Athletes will be greeted by a country that values ecotourism with such energy, they will feel the appreciation for nature, local society and culture immediately.”
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Related
Free Ironman 70.3 training plans
Middle-Distance Pacing
How to master the middle distance run leg
How to taper for middle-distance triathlons
The beautiful Central American country of Costa Rica is to hold a Ironman 70.3 race in June 2017. The inaugural event will take place on Sunday, June 18, 2017, in Playa del Coco, Guanacaste, located on the Pacific Coast.
Advertisement
“With its beautiful natural landscape and indigenous flora and fauna, Costa Rica is the ideal place to host an Ironman 70.3 race,” said Wilber Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Miami Tri Events and Colombia Tri Events and licensee of this new race. “We are confident that this event will become a classic as participants cross the finish line in a stunning location that will let them know their effort was worthwhile.”
The triathlon begins with a 1.9km one-loop swim in the Gulf of Papagayo, while riding the 90 km two-loop bike course through the region’s lush vegetation, will give participants the chance to see monkeys and iguanas, if they take their eyes off the road.
The 21 km (13.1 mile) run course takes place between palm trees with an ocean view and brings athletes to the finish line in breathtaking Playa del Coco, Guanacaste.
“It is a great honour to welcome athletes and their families from around the world to our country,” said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica. “This is an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy the race with thousands of supporting spectators.”
“Costa Rica’s lavish rainforests, beautiful beaches on the Pacific Ocean and endless biodiversity make it the perfect destination race,” expressed Edwin Vargas, Vice President of Colombia Tri Events. “Athletes will be greeted by a country that values ecotourism with such energy, they will feel the appreciation for nature, local society and culture immediately.”
Advertisement
Related
Free Ironman 70.3 training plans
Middle-Distance Pacing
How to master the middle distance run leg
How to taper for middle-distance triathlons
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey