The mixed relay leg of the World Triathlon, which was scheduled to take place in Montreal, Canada, was canceled this Sunday due to smoke from wildfires in Quebec, the championship organizer said.
“It is with great regret that we announce that the World Championship Mixed Relay scheduled for this Sunday in Montreal has been canceled due to heavy smoke from wildfires in Quebec,” World Triathlon said in a statement.
The note added that recent air quality measurements showed that it continued to deteriorate and that local health and safety authorities did not allow the start of the race in such conditions.
“We do not want to endanger our athletes under any circumstances. The safety of our athletes is paramount in a decision that was not taken lightly,” the note concludes.
At this stage, Portugal were represented by athletes Vasco Vilas and João Pereira for the men and Melanie Santos for the women, athletes who were also scheduled to compete in the mixed race, which was cancelled.