It was particularly hot in the Netherlands and that had a huge impact on yesterday’s Ironman 70.3 Westfriesland. During the race in Hoorn – not a pro race, but with more than a thousand participants at the start – over hundred athletes became unwell, about ten of whom ended up in the hospital. Athletes are reporting that Ironman took no extra measures to prevent any problems.
For example, some athletes complained that the start of the race was postponed last-minute by half an hour, leaving participants waiting in their wetsuits – in the sun – for 30 minutes. In addition, there would be only one small bottle of water for the athletes after the finish line, because otherwise there would not be enough. There was also no way to cool off in the shade and it was almost impossible for spectators to buy food or drinks because only one food truck was available and there was nothing else in the way of catering facilities nearby. Temperatures rose to well over thirty degrees, which is quite exceptional in the Netherlands.
Ironman 70.3 Westfriesland was in the news earlier this year. The previous licensee saw his license revoked by Ironman for not meeting the quality requirements set by Ironman. It seems that Ironman 70.3 Westfriesland will not return to the calendar after yesterday’s edition.
