Measures to counteract extreme heat in the triathlon test of the Tokyo Olympics
The ITU has taken a series of measures to avoid high temperatures in the test
El Tokyo Olympic Classification Test 2019 will be held between the 15 and the August 18 in the circuit of the Odaiba Park, a specially built environment for triathlon events, which will receive triathletes and paratriathletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
For this reason, it has been decided to implement some new measures to mitigate the effects of intense heat and the summer humidity of the Japanese capital that athletes will suffer during the competition.
After consulting its Medical Committees, Coaches Committee and Organizing Committee of the Tokyo Olympic Games (TOGOC), the ITU has prepared a series of significant changes in the races to ensure the health and safety of athletes.
Measures taken to counteract extreme heat in Tokyo
Advancement of the start time of the race To avoid high temperatures.
Among other important changes, water stalls will be added to the running race circuit, there will be air conditioning in the pre and post race areas, the heat stress protocols, and staff especially Trained will join the technical teams. Further, there will be medical staff every 500m along the 10km circuit on foot.
Other changes to the regulations have been designed to assist athletes in pre-race preparations. In this way, they can use cooling vests until its official introduction. In addition, their trainers will spray bicycles with cold water or frost between the introduction of the athletes and the start.
To help athletes stay comfortable halfway, a special paint on the pavement to reduce heat It is reflected on the track. Athletes will also have permission to rest in designated cooling areas.
"We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of all. It is our top priority, and we are convinced that with these measures, we are working in the right direction to reduce the exposure of athletes to climatic conditions”Said Sergio Migliorini, ITU Medical Director.
During the races, Coaches will be able to provide nutrition in designated areas of cycling and pedestrian circuits. The areas for littering have also been removed, so no penalties will apply.
Among other measures, there will be shadow areas designed for athletes to cool off after the races. The awards ceremony and the introduction of the athletes will be brief to reduce heat exposure as much as possible.
The ITU has updated the “protocols for the prevention of ills caused by extreme heat of the ITU” following the “IOC Plan to Counteract Extreme Heat Conditions at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games” and its manual for event organizers containing plans of contingencies in races that take place due to extreme heat.
There are no previous results.
