The Sunday Mail
Online Reporters
THIS year’s edition of the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup could witness a depleted number of participants, with a large number of North and West African triathletes expected to miss out.
This follows the decision to move the annual competition from its traditional February dates to April 2 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
April is the month that the entire Muslim community celebrates Ramadan, the ninth month of their Islamic calendar, normally reserved for fasting, prayer, reflection and community
Speaking at the launch of the 14th edition of the competition on Thursday, event director Rick Fulton confirmed the development.
“We do not expect to have a wide variety of athletes, this time around, owing to Ramadan celebrations that begin on April 1.
“What this means is that all the North and West African countries will, from a cultural perspective of Muslim, not be available,” said Fulton.
“When we set the dates, we were not aware of this.
“However, it is a fact of life that you cannot please all the people at the same time, and it will also be nice to see the other international countries coming back,” he said.
Last year’s event, held in September, attracted athletes from Zambia, Senegal, Morocco and Kenya among others.
In addition to the Muslim community, the Russian contingent will also not be available after being banned by World Triathlon.
“There were some Russians on the starting list for the South African event, that is coming up soon, and some of them had targeted our event as well.
“However, we all know the situation in Russia.
“They have been removed from the events,” said Fulton.
Still, the show must go on.
At least 30 international athletes, from 11 countries, have confirmed their participation with more expected in the coming weeks.
Keeping with the theme of things, these athletes will compete in the elite/U-23 African Triathlon Sprint Cup, African Triathlon Junior Cup, Off-road Triathlon Formats, Adult Age-Group, Youth-Mini Triathlon Formats and the Youth Super Sprint-Triathlon.
Also expected are the team events for all Triathlon and off-road Triathlons, Cimas I-go Corporate Team Challenge Finale, Open Water swim series and the Quathlon for schools.
