In statements to the newspaper L’Équipe, the three-time Olympic canoe champion mentioned for the first time the alternative venue of Vaires-sur-Marne, in the Paris Region, to host the triathlon swimming (July 30 and 31 and August 5) and open waters (August 8 and 9).
Vaires-sur-Marne will be the venue for the rowing and canoeing disciplines of the event under the five rings from July 26 to August 11, so it meets the necessary conditions, he detailed.
However, Estanguet expressed confidence that the Seine will be ready for Paris-2024, after the rains in May and June led to levels of presence of the dangerous Escherichia coli bacteria and Enterococcus above those accepted for bathing in its waters.
The quality of the water is improving, highlighted the COJO leader, a criterion supported by recent reports from the Paris Mayor’s Office.
On Wednesday, the deputy mayor of Paris in charge of Sports, Pierre Rabadan, assured that the heritage river is now suitable to host the triathlon and open water swimming events in the Olympic Games.
The results of the last few days are satisfactory and in accordance with the bath, he told the press.
Until last week, tests carried out on the Seine showed high bacterial contamination, incompatible with human bathing.
Estanguet commented that if the rains complicate the situation again, other options are being considered, such as delaying the sports in question, and even reducing the triathlon to a duathlon.
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