Guernsey Triathlon 2020: Is this the new norm for Triathlon?
As lockdown restrictions begin to gradually be lifted, some triathlon races will resume, but what will races look like when they fully return?
The answer may lay in the first social-distance triathlon in the British Isles since lockdown began. This was hosted by Guernsey Triathlon Club who organised a sprint triathlon event at Grande Rocques on Sunday 7 June 2020.
The social distancing rules meant the race was a bit different to the ‘normal’ sprint triathlon. To adhere to public health advise the competitors were split into two waves, with a maximum of 30 athletes going off in the swim leg in groups of five at one minute intervals. The bike section had its draft zone doubled from 7 to 14 metres long whilst on the run section athletes had to maintain social distancing of 2 metres (unless overtaking).
Whilst substantial and widespread event postponements have been seen since lockdown, Guernsey Triathlon Club have set out a social-distancing race blueprint. In carrying out an event specific risk assessment in coordination with BTF and relevant healthcare and government authorities the Guernsey blueprint ought to allow some smaller Triathlon events across the British Isles to get up and running this year as lockdown restrictions are eased. Athletes badly want to race, but there will be a strong emphasis on staying local and a decrease in travel for the foreseeable future.
🚴 “A month ago we were probably thinking it was 10, 11, 12 weeks away”@GuernseyTri got a taste of socially-distanced racing on Sunday, becoming the first @BritTri club to run a full event since lockdown.@tonycvrr reports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/UiNhkVtPHt
— ITV Channel Sport (@ITVChannelSport) June 11, 2020
As we get through these challenging times the question still remains. What will be the new norm for Triathlon?
Heading Photo Credit: Andy Dovey
