Ironman have announced today that there will be no swim at tomorrow’s race in Leeds and that today’s practise swim will also be cancelled. The news comes amid concerns over water quality at Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park, which has tested positive for blue-green algae.

In a statement posted on Facebook this morning, the organisers wrote:

“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.”

Threat to health

“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.

The event will now become a bike-run event 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 7:00am.”

Reaction from athletes

This year is the second running of the Ironman event in Leeds. Last year’s pro race was won by Sam Laidlow (there was no women’s pro field) and 220 also had a writer there who wrote this report of her experiences.

Comments under the post ranged from supportive and understanding, to athletes expressing disappointment that they won’t have achieved a full Ironman distance at the event.

Here are a selection of responses:

Barry Clarkson: “So it’s not an Ironman then? I’m sure that IRONMAN UK will do the right thing and offer deferrals then to those who don’t want to compete in a duathlon…..”

Phin Robinson: “Sad to hear, but can’t be helped. Insane weather across the UK has impacted everything and everyone. Hope the day is still great and it’s an amazing achievement whatever the situation may have to be.”

Giles McCathie: “So gutted for all those who have trained for the full. I would have been devastated. Ironman should offer deferral as a minimum if the can’t put on a full IM. Good luck to all those taking part. Make the best of it.”

Chris Abbiss: “Embarrassing from Leeds city council they knew the event was happening and should have been treating the lake in anticipation gutted for the athletes who have trained so hard for it.”

Eddie Tunstall: “Respect to everyone who have trained and put many hours in to compete. I’m gutted for you all but try and keep your heads up. Must be gut wrenching for you especially the first timers.”

Gaz Riley: “Gutted for everyone taking part. This isn’t the news anyone wanted. All the training and getting to the start line and Mother Nature screws it up. Shame that it can’t be run bike run then at least it’s a format rather than a very long brick session.”

…and finally with a play on words we couldn’t resist sharing here…

Nick Simpson: “You..are…a Dry-on Man”

Lead image: HUW_FAIRCLOUGH/IRONMAN