Bathurst Wallabies first triathlon of the season could be cancelled if Hereford Street bridge remains closed

The low level Hereford Street bridge was closed on Friday morning after 60 millimetres of rain in the previous 48 hours and Mick Stapley has confirmed that the first triathlon could be cancelled if water remains over the crossing.

The bike section of the triathlon is dependent on full access to the Hereford Street bridge.

"We're very excited but we're very concerned for the look of the low level bridge and the water levels around the Macquarie River because it has the potential to impact us greatly," Stapley explained.

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"Triathlon in the rain is fine, as long as it's not torrential or becomes a safety issue.

"Unfortunately, if the river does go over the low level bridge, because of the bike course, we wouldn't be able to run the event.

"It would be a shame if it couldn't go ahead. There's been a lot of work put in to getting this off the ground and making sure we're ready to run a good safe event.

"If the weather ruins it, we'd all be disappointed."

Weather aside, the club is looking forward to a big turnout at Sunday's meeting.

Stapley acknowledged the regular faces that will perform well on Sunday, including the likes of Nick North.

"Nick North is always amongst it but Josh [Stapley] has been putting in a bit more of a focus on the local stuff this season," he said.

"We've got guys that are coming through as well, like young Jack Reen and Will Kelly."

While Stapley expects a competitive race, the club is focused on getting more people out and completing triathlons.

"It's going to be a really good, competitive field at the front and we're putting a fair bit focus on the finish line instead of the finish time," he said.

"We're keen to see people out there and giving it a go.

"It's really nice to tick that off and say, 'Yes, I'm done a triathlon and I've managed to get to the finish'. We'd like to encourage people that don't think they're capable to come and join us and just have a go."

The long course will take competitors on a 500-metre swim, 16-kilometre run and a five-kilometre run, while the short course will be over 300 metres in the pool, 16 kilometres on foot and 2.5 kilometres on foot.

The triathlon is set to get underway from 8am for the seniors and 9.30am for the juniors.

For more information, visit the Facebook page at @Bathurst Wallabies Triathlon Club.

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