Due to dense mats of potentially toxic algal species at five sites around Lake Taupo, prompting a Council warning for the public to avoid swimming in affected areas, organisers of IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo have been forced to remove the swim leg and implement a contingency course, consisting of a 3km Run, 90km Bike and 21km Run.
After receiving reports from the public of algae blooms, Waikato Regional Council scientists collected a number of algae samples on Tuesday and again yesterday from five sites.
Testing overnight by NIWA scientists has confirmed the presence of potentially toxic algal species, including Phormidium, at areas within Five Mile Bay, Acacia Bay, the main lake front in Taupo, Whakaipo Bay and Kinloch Beach.
Race organisers were notified of the warning at 8pm Thursday 7 December, and have been working quickly to notify all registered athletes of the change, and the options open to them.
The new format will be a 3km RUN – 90km BIKE – 21km RUN. The start location will be on Ferry Road above the original swim start. Start times and waves will remain the same.
Race Director Wayne Reardon acknowledges this is not the race athletes were hoping for, but says the health of all competitors is the first priority in this situation.
“We know athlete’s will be disappointed about this news, as we are. However, our team are still committed to putting on a fantastic race on Saturday, albeit in a modified format. We look forward to seeing athletes at Athlete Check in tomorrow and on the start line on Saturday.”
MALE PRO:
1 Currie Braden NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
2 Phillips Mike NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
7 McNeice Dylan NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
8 Collins Benjamin USA (UNITED STATES)
9 Millward Callum NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
10 Caird Allister AUS (AUSTRALIA)
11 Clark Samuel NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
12 Cochrane Simon NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
14 Franklin Matt NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
15 Mainwaring David AUS (AUSTRALIA)
17 Munro Casey AUS (AUSTRALIA)
18 Paul Cameron NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
19 Polizzi Alexander AUS (AUSTRALIA)
20 Rea Tim AUS (AUSTRALIA)
21 Schroeder Chris USA (UNITED STATES)
22 Shaw Olly NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
23 Slee Matthew AUS (AUSTRALIA)
24 Speed Paul AUS (AUSTRALIA)
FEMALE PRO:
30 Siddall Laura GBR (UNITED KINGDOM)
31 McCauley Jocelyn USA (UNITED STATES)
32 Crawford Gina NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
33 Watkinson Amelia NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
34 Clarke Rebecca NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
35 Wood Laura NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
36 Brown Christen USA (UNITED STATES)
37 Cross Christine USA (UNITED STATES)
38 Dennis Laura AUS (AUSTRALIA)
39 Elliot Rebecca NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
40 Grant Julia NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
41 Kiley Renee AUS (AUSTRALIA)
42 Kraal Indy NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
43 Pomeroy Robin USA (UNITED STATES)
44 Salthouse Ellie AUS (AUSTRALIA)
45 Seidel Kirralee AUS (AUSTRALIA)
46 Selsmark Alise AUS (AUSTRALIA)
47 Toulmin Karen NZL (NEW ZEALAND)
48 Wilson Amanda AUS (AUSTRALIA)