duathlon

The event going ahead removes previous concerns it may have had to have been contested as a duathlon - with just swimming and cycling - as a last resort.

Friday remains a back-up date for both races and, as a last resort, organisers say the event could be contested as a duathlon - just the cycling and running legs.

While a mixed relay was added in Tokyo three years ago, there has never been a duathlon in the Olympics to date.

However, at the Paris Test Event in 2023, a duathlon format was trialled, with the swim replaced by an additional 5km run.

While Olympic coaches and athletes are usually prepared for most eventualities, it is unlikely that many training plans will have been tailored specifically for a duathlon.