The Rio test event, probably the most important race of the season for the participating athletes, takes place this upcoming weekend. Indeed, for an athlete stemming from one the stronger triathlon nations, a good performance in this race ensures their participation in the 2016 Olympic Games.
A Race Filled With Controversy?
As you must have noticed, the Rio circuit was not included in the World Triathlon Series. Furthermore, no points will be awarded by the ITU during this weekend’s race and it doesn’t even have a prize purse.
Three bibs only will be handed out (the the first 3 positions) and the race’s importance is minimized as the dominating nations are already assured the 3 maximum slots.
What’s the reasoning behind all of this? Apparently, Rio quite simply wasn’t ready to pay the fees to host a WTS event. For the time being (unlikely to change) there won’t be a live web broadcast of the event worthy of a WTS race. All of this would require a 6 digit budget which no one seems willing or able to put forth. Much like we did during the Panamerican triathlon events, we’ll have to content ourselves with following this race on Twitter, Periscope and with live timing…
Additionally, the relationship between local authorities and the ITU seems a little shaky which makes cooperation between the two a little difficult.
Rumours…
It took quite a while for the race organization to announce the race course. Certain federations obtained this information (as early as November) before it was made public to others.
Ironically, the bike course has been largely unexplored by participating athletes and federations. This could be because part of the course runs against vehicular trafic, but the bigger reason is most likely related to public safety in Rio. The threat of attacks and robbery is present and athletes will require police escorts during their reconnaissance of the bike course.
Absence Of Certain Nations…
Some eastern nations won’t be making the trip to Rio. A recent WADA report revealed that only 15 out of competition tests were made, in all sports. Perhaps the fear of a crack down on drug testing during this event is deterring some nations from participating.
A Spectacular Yet Selective Course…
In Contrast to London, Rio’s course boasts a bike loop with two uphills. Even at the highest level, this will lead to total confusion. We are looking at approximately 160m in ascension per lap. It is said that the uphills include certain sections of 20% gradients. We’re expecting a race course that resembles the one in Auckland, even if two thirds of the course is oceanside.
Polluted Waters?
This is an other mystery. Reports on this matter are conflicting. Certain federations are heading into this weekend concerned about the water quality. Although it appears clean, the water is quite possibly bacteria filled. The swim will take place in a protected area of the ocean. Much like a certain French city of the Côte d’Azur, health risks will be heightened if it were to rain the day before the event.
These risks are for real. It’s been seen before… An athlete getting infected by bacteria during competition. The consequences can have a long lasting impact.
To Conclude
Controversy, surprises and uncertainty has become a normality prior to big events like the Olympic Games. That said, there is enough evidence to make a case that the Brasilians may have favoured other sports over triathlon.
At least, we can be happy that Rio’s race course will give us much more exciting racing than London’s. The winner will no doubt be a complete triathlete, strong in all three sports.