Search
shop

Olympic Games Triathlon star says athletes are “puppets” as he blasts Paris 2024 chaos caused by River Seine water quality

Medal contender pulls no punches as he blasts carnage unfolding in the French capital.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Olympic Games triathlon medal contender Marten Van Riel says the athletes are just “puppets in a puppetshow” as the events at Paris 2024 descend into chaos thanks to the water quality in the River Seine.

In the early hours of Tuesday organisers made the decision to postpone the men’s individual race to Wednesday, with E. coli levels in the iconic waterway meaning conditions were unsafe for the swim to take place.

That means the sport is one step closer to facing the dreaded scenario of being downgraded to a duathlon (run/bike/run). That will be the case if the water is unsafe on Wednesday and then again on the original reserve day – Friday August 2.

Right now the picture looks decidedly gloomy with the weather forecast for Paris worsening as the week goes on. Heavy rain remember can result in untreated sewage being washed into the waterway.

All this comes despite a much-vaunted clean-up operation costing $1.5bn which was designed to make the river swimmable for the first time in a century, and showcase it to the world on the biggest sporting stage.

On Tuesday morning Paris 2024 chiefs said in a media briefing that conditions outside their control (weather, climate change) were to blame for the high E. coli levels, and refused to apologise to athletes. They also said any downgrade to a duathlon would not be unfair to any athletes.

Van Riel hits out at Paris 2024 carnage

The 31-year-old Belgian star Van Riel, sixth at the Rio Games of 2016 and fourth in Tokyo in 2021, is clearly very unimpressed by the whole thing, responding to World Triathlon’s statement announcing the postponement on Instagram.

He said: “If the priority was the health of the athletes this event would have been moved to another location a long time ago. We are just puppets in a puppetshow.

“Duathlon is no triathlon and changing the day like that in the middle of the night is disrespectful to the years of preparation of the athletes and to all (y)our fans that were going to watch live or on tv. What an appearance for triathlon on the biggest scene!”

Stapley weighs in on debate

Another athlete to weigh in was British star Max Stapley, who replied: “Pathetic, 0 respect for athlete welfare and investment. Not being able to hold a triathlon in the country with the most tried and tested venues in the world is inexcusable.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Chicago 2024 photo credit supertri
Georgia Taylor-Brown on enjoying her busy “year off” and wanting “to go out on a bit of a high”
challenge roth race ranger
Challenge Roth publish RaceRanger anti-drafting data from both pro races in a first for triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Date, start time and how to follow live
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...