Sunday’s Mixed Relay at WTCS Montreal has become the latest triathlon event to fall victim to the wildfires currently causing havoc in Quebec.
Earlier in the day, IRONMAN 70.3 Mont Tremblant was cancelled shortly before the planned start with the fires resulting in poor air quality in the area.
Mixed Relay falls victim to forest fires
Triathlon then lost another major event for the same reason shortly before 11am Eastern Time when World Triathlon provided the following update on its social media channels:
“It is with regret that we announce that the Mixed Relay race in WTCS Montreal on Sunday has been cancelled due to the smog coming from the forest fires in Quebec. The safety of our athletes is of paramount importance and this decision has not been taken lightly.”
World Triathlon stressed that the decision was taken with the situation in Montreal worsening at speed:
Measurements at Grand Quai on Sunday morning were as follows (times local):
8.30am: 174
9.00 am: 258
9.30am: 263
10am: 345