Heavier than usual rains overwhelming Paris Storm sewers, leading to high E. Coli counts in the Seine, where officials gambled they would be able to hold the swimming leg of the Triathlon.
Situation on hold.
Olympics organizers are banking on the sun and scorching temperatures to improve the water quality of the Seine River enough for triathletes to swim in it.
Otherwise, they could be feeling the heat.
Concerns about the Paris river’s cleanliness postponed the men’s triathlon on Tuesday, with officials hoping the swimming portion of the race will soon be able to go forward in the long-polluted waterway following an expensive cleanup effort.
Organizers said they will try to hold the men’s triathlon Wednesday instead. The women’s competition also is scheduled that day, but both will only happen if water tests show acceptable levels of E. coli and other bacteria. Friday is also planned as a backup date.
However, storms or rain are forecast Tuesday night through Thursday, which could complicate rescheduling because rain generally causes bacteria levels in the Seine to rise.
The Tour de France is dealing with temperatures in the 90s, which means the road surface is likely to get up to 120-150° F. The commenters have talked about the temperature but haven’t said a word about either the immediate heat stroke & equipment malfunction problem or the long-term climate problem. Astoundingly, they haven’t changed either the dates or start times (~noon). They’ll have to.
I hope it’s before anyone involved dies.