Progreso, Yucatán — As the first-time host for an international triathlon event, the city may have to go into training to do a better job handling the event in the future.
Surprise street and sidewalk closures left businesses inaccessible for most of the weekend, angry merchants told Progreso Hoy. The malecón was practically “caged” to make way for runners and cyclists.
Residents and business owners said that with no warning, their lives were badly disrupted for the sporting event, which took place Saturday and Sunday.
One restaurateur said the event does nothing to benefit local businesses because his front door was cut off from the public during a summer-holiday weekend.
The event was the eighth world stop for the 2017 ITU World Cup.
Yucatán’s triathlon included a sprint-distance 750-meter swim, 10-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run course. Athletes faced hot and humid conditions, with an ocean swim followed by bike and run segments through the streets.
The ITU Triathlon World Cup season continues Sunday, Sept. 3, in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
