Smoke from forest fires force cancellation of Mixed Relay races at WTCS Montreal

It’s been a tough day for triathletes in Quebec today – earlier we reported that Ironman Mont-Tremblant was cancelled due to the smoke from forest fires in the region. With Montreal topping the scales of worst air quality for any major city in the world, organizers have cancelled the Mixed Relay events at today’s World Triathlon Championship Series race.

“It is with regret that we announce the Mixed Relay race of the Groupe Coplay World Triathlon Championship Series Montreal, planned for Sunday 25 June, has been cancelled due to the smog coming from the forest fires in Quebec,” a statement from the organization read. “The latest measurements of the air quality show that the air quality is dropping in the Grand Quai area, and the Health and Safety authorities do not allow the race to start in these conditions. We do not, at any stage, wish to put our athletes in danger and the forecast conditions would have jeopardised the safety of the athletes. The safety of our athletes is of paramount importance and this decision has not been taken lightly. Latest measurements at Grand Quai: 8.30am: 174 9.00 am: 258 9.30am: 263 10am: 345”