A BLUE-GREEN algae out-break at the Allans Flat Water Hole has forced the Albury Wodonga Triathlon Club (AWTC) to switch the event to Lake Sambell this weekend.
Organisers expect a near record number of entries for the event as it will be the last club triathlon as well as the final Victorian Regional Series Race for season 2024/25.
While the event will bring an unexpected economic boost to Beechworth it will also mean a number of sudden street closures including parts of High Street, Havelock Road and Alma Road Beechworth which are now subject to approved local road closures and traffic management plans.
Local residents have already been advised by mail with full details inside today's O&M Advertiser and on Indigo Shire Council's website.
The event starts at 3pm Saturday and will run for a maximum of five hours.
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"The committee has been looking for alternative locations to host their events due to the Allans Flat Water Hole having ongoing blue-green algae outbreaks throughout the year depending on the rainfall," AWTC president Jeremy Kent said.
"We were looking for a water hole that has fresh running water into it and that could open up our events to juniors from the age of seven rather than from the age of 12.
"AusTriathlon, which is our governing body, has restrictions as to the distance different ages can compete, so we were looking for a lake that was able to offer this easily and lucky for us Lake Sambell in Beechworth is the location.
"This is the first time in the club's history to be closing the road which we are very excited about."
Categories for the event include kids from the age of seven as of 31 December 2025 completing a 50m swim, 2km bike ride and 500m run, the enticer offers a 300m swim, 10km bike ride and 3km run and the sprint offers a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 6m run.
There is also a team event for the sprint and juniors aged 12 to 17 and a junior sprint for those aged 16 and 17.
The swim is in Lake Sambell, the bike is a 5km loop heading from Peach Drive, up High Street to Alma Road and back followed by the run which will be along McConville Avenue and around the rail trail as another lap circuit.
"The sport of triathlons is growing, many people have the stigma that you've got to be an elite athlete to compete, however, that is not the case," he said.
"We are wanting to encourage young kids and juniors to try the sport and see if they enjoy it.
"It has been pleasing that we are seeing a lot of new faces this year and this event has already attracted in excess of 50 kids and juniors.
"We hope to be able to grow these events and provide more next season to all age groups."
Volunteers are always welcome to help out at the event, so if you are free on Saturday afternoon and would like to offer assistance, please reach out via info@awtc.org.au or 0427 314 207.
Road closures
Albury Wodonga Triathlon Road closures will be in place on Saturday, 15 March from 3pm and are expected to conclude at 5:30pm at the following locations.
• McConville Avenue from the corner of Albert Road to Peach Drive
• High Street from the corner of Tanswell Street to Balaclava Rd Havelock Rd intersection. Border Traffic Solutions will have traffic controllers stationed along High St at the nominated intersections (listed below) to assist motorists through the event space.
o Side streets closed along High St include William’s St, Billson St, Surrey Lane, Spring Creek Lane, Junction Rd Thompson St, Elgin Rd, Orchard Grove and Balaclava Rd.
• Havelock Road and to the intersection of Alma Road with traffic controller stationed to assist motorists.
o Side streets affected along Havelock Rd include Hayes Drive, Mann Crt, Milne Rd, Braunthal Ave, Red Hill Rd with detour signage in place via Mossgrove Way.
• Kibbell Lane at the intersection of Alma Road
