British Triathlon follows the lead of World Triathlon
“Until at least 30 April”, British Triathlon last night issued a suspension on organised triathlon activity, which is in line with that from last week from the world governing body.
No news as yet on perhaps the highest profile event of the domestic calendar – the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds – set for 6th/7th June 2020 – but the FAQ’s advise that, “A decision on this will be announced shortly. It will be communicated across all event specific and British Triathlon channels.” [UPDATE – LEEDS HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED]
The FAQ’s also provide some further initial insight on potential changes to Age-Group qualification etc, but given the rapidly changing situation and the difficulty for anyone is knowing what is to come in the near future, we would strongly suggest that athletes let the dust settle on those type of issues, as organisers and the governing bodies themselves try and deal with these very challenging times.
Here is the full statement:
Important information on COVID-19 – updated Tuesday 17 March
Based on the latest government guidance around Coronavirus/COVID-19, British Triathlon and the 3 Home Nations (Triathlon England, Triathlon Scotland and Welsh Triathlon) have suspended organised triathlon activity with immediate effect until at least 30 April.
We have not taken this decision lightly but in the light of the rapidly changing situation, we feel it is essential. Based on the government’s advice to restrict unnecessary travel and contact with others, we feel that it is our duty to take these steps to help protect the health and wellbeing of athletes, officials, coaches, volunteers and spectators and to alleviate the risk of an additional burden on the emergency services at a hugely testing time.
The list of suspended activity includes but may not be limited to:
- All permitted events in England, Scotland and Wales
- All British Triathlon, Triathlon England, Triathlon Scotland and Welsh Triathlon championships and events, including Age-Group Qualifiers
- Face-to-face coaching courses – anyone in the middle of a course will be contacted about how this will continue separately
- Pathway Activity – all planned camps and performance assessment activity
- Regional activities and events in England
We recognise that this news will be disappointing, and potentially worrying for some, but ask for your support as we navigate through this difficult time.
We have also advised all affiliated clubs, coaches, regional committees and academies to suspend face-to-face meetings, events (including social), camps and training groups.
Further information can be found on our website www.triathlonengland.org which also contains specific advice for clubs, coaches and event organisers. If you have questions, please visit this page in the first instance. I do ask for your patience and understanding in the coming days and weeks as we navigate this unprecedented situation and that you recognise that our staff are doing their very best to support you and the sport.
For more information please read our FAQs
I will be back in touch with further updates in due course.
Andy Salmon
Chief Executive
Triathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
