Wales Triathlon to lead “Outdoor Sporting Events” return

The limited, changed event will be key to bringing events back safely.

The Wales Triathlon is being considered by Welsh Government as part of the test event programme to return events to the principality as quickly and safely as possible.

Limited to a field of 500 on June 12th, the event will undergo a number of changes as part of the stepping stone back to events opening. Crowds are not encouraged at the event and as a result, the start, transition and finish line areas will all become a sterile area.

The organisers have already had to cancel what would have been one of the biggest pro field events staged in the country and also all international athletes have been rolled to the 2022 event.

In addition, The Fishguard Swim Championships on the 11^thJune and Sprint Triathlon on the 13^th June have been postponed to next year.

Matthew Evans of Activity Wales Events says –

“We are delighted to be holding this event here in Pembrokeshire and welcoming athletes back.  There is a huge skill set delivering major outdoor sporting events in Pembrokeshire and we are delighted to be working with the group once again.

There is still a lot of work to be completed, but we are working closely with our government stakeholder group weekly, The MSOC group (Major Sports Operators Cymru), the Local Authority and will run the event through 3 Event Safety Advisory Group meetings, where traditionally there would be one.

This is a real balancing act, as we need to remember that this is a vital process to see how events can integrate into a community in a controlled manner.  Local hospitality will be open indoors a month before the event and it’s important that we work together with local businesses to maximise their opportunities.”

Cllr Phil Baker, the Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member whose portfolio includes Major Events, said:

“From our first discussions on the Wales Triathlon, the safety of participants and the wider community has been the number one priority."

“We have convened several Event Safety Advisory Group meetings with partners to discuss the measures required and these meetings will continue over the coming weeks.

“The events industry is very important to Pembrokeshire and Wales as a whole. It is vital that these events are tested to ensure processes and guidance is developed for future events to take place in as safe a way as possible.”