Vancouver chills leave top triathletes hypothermic
"Some of the world’s top athletes had to seek medical attention after competing in what may have been the coldest swim in World Championship Triathlon history in downtown Vancouver." - CBC Sports.
This week sees the BG Triathlon World Championships in Vancouver with elites racing this Sunday. For those living in and around Vancouver, its no secret that the weather has some people feeling its January, not June. Nevertheless this weekend’s events are scheduled to go ahead as planned, with the exception of the opening ceremonies and parade of nations, which have been postponed until further notice (news as of Friday evening).
A number of Canadian athletes will be fighting for a spot on this summer’s Beijing Olympic team, including Kirsten Sweetland , Paul Tichelaar and Colin Jenkins . Only two spots each remain for male and female athletes on the team. Victoria’s Simon Whitfield and Vancouver’s Lauren Groves have already qualified for the team.
Over 2700 athletes are racing in the event between Thursday and Sunday.
If you interested in checking out the event, one of the better places to be is near 2nd beach where you can watch the swim exit and transitions between the swim and the bike and the bike and the run. The finish line is also nearby at Denman and Beach Ave. Try not to drive as parking will be a nightmare.
Links of interest:
