TRAP Seeks IATF Approval for ‘Triathlon Bubble’

The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) plans to hold a sprint event in hopes of slowly bringing the sport to life amid the pandemic.

TRAP President Tom Carrasco said that they will present a proposal to the Interagency Task Force for the so-called “triathlon race bubble” after further discussions with other involved agencies, officials and sponsors.

The initial plan is to hold the race in late November or early December in Clark City with just 100 participants.

Carrasco said they are studying what other countries are doing so they can apply the same measures in their planned career.

Some European countries are already holding races at this time.

“We are aligning the World Triathlon protocol and procedures with those of the IATF,” Carrasco said.

He added that they plan to have two swab tests for athletes and staff before entering the race venue: first with a rapid antigen test, then a swab test if the antigen test comes back positive.

They also plan to keep participants for three days in designated accommodation facilities prior to race day.

“If the swab test can last three days, wala na sigurong problem,” Carrasco said.

Although organizing races these days is challenging, Carrasco is optimistic that they can do so to the benefit of local athletes looking to return to competition.