‘Not the news athletes want’: Ironman Leeds swim scrapped over lake water safety fears
Swim cancelled after ‘hazardous’ blue-green algae found at Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park
Organisers of the Leeds Ironman triathlon have cancelled the swimming leg over concerns about water safety.
The team behind the event confirmed today’s swim practice and the swim portion of tomorrow’s race will not take place after blue-green algae was discovered on Waterloo Lake, in Roundhay Park.
In a post on social media the organisers said this morning: “In conjunction with Leeds City Council and following the advice of the UK Health Security Agency Environmental Hazards Team, we are disappointed to announce that today’s swim practice and the swim portion of Sunday’s race will not take place.
“The recent hot weather across the UK has led to a bloom of blue-green algae, which can be hazardous to humans.
“Test results from Waterloo Lake confirmed the current blue-green algae levels are significantly above the threshold for safely proceeding with the swim.
“We recognise this is not the news our athletes want to hear ahead of race day, but rest assured IRONMAN remains committed to putting on an epic day of racing in Leeds.”
Organisers have said the event will now be focused on biking and running with athletes taking part in a 112-mile ride and a 26.2-mile run, with the race starting from transition with a rolling TT bike start beginning at 7am.
Those who have entered the race are being urged to check their emails for more details.
The high-profile endurance event - which starts and finishes at Roundhay Park this weekend (August 16) - is expected to bring thousands of spectators and athletes to the city.
Speaking earlier this week councillor Salma Arif, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, acknowledged the temporary disruption the event brings to local roads while emphasizing its wider value to the region.
"Events like Ironman Leeds have helped establish our city as a key player on the national and international sporting stage, while also providing a welcome boost for the local economy," Coun Arif said.
"We recognise that the temporary road closures that are needed for the safe operation of an occasion on this scale will inevitably cause some disruption and we thank the public in advance for their patience and understanding.
“We would encourage people to make time, if they haven’t done so already, to check how the traffic and travel arrangements for Sunday could affect them."