Triathlon postponed due to effect of poor weather

THE Wargrave Sprint Triathlon has been postponed following the poor weather.

The event was scheduled to take place at Mill Green on Sunday but has been put back to September due to a fallen tree in the river, the strong current and the unseasonably cold water.

The triathlon consists of a 750m swim in the River Thames, a 20km cycle ride and a 5km run comprising four legs of a 1.25km route from Wargrave Boat Club to Mill Green.

The fallen tree at Ferry Lane cannot be removed at the moment because of the strong river current.

Co-organiser Jo Maundrell, of Blakes Road, Wargrave, said: “There is a tree on the swim course, which you cannot swim around due to the fast flow of the river.

“The water is unseasonably cold so we decided to go to September when the current is less strong and the water is warmer. The temperature is currently 13.2C when it’s usually 17-20C by now.

“We have a lot of beginner athletes and the cold water could cause people to panic or they could be pushed out into the current of the river.”

The event will now be held on Sunday, September 15 from 7am to 9.30am.

Mrs Maundrell said: “We can now put a larger and better event on. The tree will definitely have been cleared and the summer will have had the chance to warm up and slow down the river, making it a safer and more enjoyable event for everyone. We would love to get some more entries.”

The competition has received about 50 entries so far. All entries will be transferred to the new date, or next year upon request.

To enter, visit https://tiny
url.com/58uh7byv