The cycling and running courses at the European Ironman championships in Frankfurt are being shortened this weekend due to expected temperatures of up to 39 degrees Celsius, organizers said on Friday.
The cycling course on Sunday will be reduced from 180 to 125 kilometres and instead of the marathon, only the half-marathon distance of 21.1 kilometres will be run. The swimming distance in the triathlon of 3.8 kilometres will remain unchanged.
Organizers had previously said they were preparing heat protection measures and boosting medical care due to the weather forecast.
These include additional cooling options along the route with sprinkler showers, ice water, ice cubes and sponges, an expanded supply of water and electrolytes, and adjustments to the running course to include shaded sections.
The weather will also be monitored continuously and any further measures will be assessed and communicated, according to a statement from the organizers and the city of Frankfurt.
Alongside around 70 registered professionals competing, thousands of amateur triathletes are due to take part.
“The safety of the participants is our top priority. Therefore, as is standard practice at endurance sporting events, medical staff may intervene at any time and withdraw athletes from the race if their health requires it,” organizers said.
Other sports events in Germany scheduled for the weekend have been cancelled because of the heatwave, including the Hamburg half-marathon and football matches in southern areas.
