THE WOODLANDS, Texas (AP) - Ironman officials have shortened the cycling portion of Saturday’s triathlon in a Houston suburb, according to organizers.
Thousands of athletes who participated in the race in The Woodlands biked 110 miles (177 kilometers), instead of the regulation 112 miles (180 kilometers).
Participants said they were unaware of the 2-mile (3-kilometer) discrepancy before starting the race.
Organizers issued a statement Tuesday saying that world records set in the race will still stand, the Houston Chronicle reported .
An issue arose the morning of the race regarding where cyclists would be required to turn around to make a loop. The regulation distance would put the turn in a location not deemed safe by race organizers.
“(I)t was determined that the safest turnaround location was not true to the predicted course measurement,” the statement said. “For the course to be the standard 112 miles, the turnaround location would have needed to be placed in an area which cut down the width of the course and included a low wall embankment, making that location unsafe.”
Some expressed outrage and disappointment online that the course was shortened.
Professional Ironman athlete Matt Hanson of Iowa set the men’s record and a world record for the fastest marathon leg in the race. He said the length issue seems to be overshadowing an exciting race.
“Two miles doesn’t take away from the toughness of the race at all,” said Houston resident Laura Aguirre, who competed in the triathlon. “I really don’t think that it was a big deal.”
Ironman representatives said they’re already working with local officials to fix the course for next year.
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Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com
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