Format change as 'unseasonable winds' impact World Triathlon Para Series in Swansea
Weather warning prompts changes to today's races
Last updated 15th Jul 2023
A weather warning has prompted organisers of today's World Triathlon Para Series in Swansea to introduce a number of changes to the format of the event.
Forecasters say 'unseasonably' strong winds are likely to hit South Wales from about 9am and coastal areas are expected to be particularly affected.
Organisers have confirmed that the bike disciplines for both the elite and British Paratri Super Series races have been cancelled, while the route of the run and swim legs has been amended.
It means the event effectively becomes an 'aquathlon'.
Over 100 of the sport's best athletes had been due to compete for vital qualification points for next year's Paralympics in Paris.
In a statement released last night, organisers said:
"Adverse weather conditions have forced us to make changes to the format of both the elite and British Paratri Super Series races at 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea on Saturday 15 July 2023.
"As such, the bike discipline has been cancelled and the event will now become an aquathlon.
"We do not, at any stage, wish to put our athletes in danger and the forecast adverse weather would have jeopardised the safety of the event if the original format was adhered to. The safety of our athletes is of paramount importance and this decision has not been taken lightly.
"We will continue to monitor the weather forecast and any potential further impact it may have on the participation and elite racing at 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea.
"Volunteers should still attend the event as normal and full roles and responsibilities will be communicated during the morning briefing. Once again, the organisers would like to thank all volunteers who are helping to bring the event to life.
"Any further updates will be shared as appropriate on our website and updates will also be made on the @BritTri social media channels. All participating athletes have been contacted."
The M4 was hit by flooding earlier with a thirty mile an hour speed limit introduced at junction 43 for LLandarcy
Structural engineers remain at the scene of a landslide that's blocked the train line between Merthyr and Aberdare.
Meanwhile, the M4 was hit with flooding on Saturday morning as wind and rain hit South Wales.
Traffic Wales confirmed junction 43 at Llandarcy was flooded with a 30mph speed limit introduced.
One village in Wales also saw a landslide as a result of the conditions.
Transport for Wales wrote on its website: "Due to a landslide near Troed Y Rhiw the line is blocked."
Plans for tomorrow's Ironman event in Swansea remain unchanged.