Bardolino Triathlon Safety, Organization, and Technological Innovations
Approximately 450 people, who were released along the course yesterday, directed, monitored, and ensured safety for the more than one thousand competitors of the annual international triathlon race held at Lake Garda since 1984.
The service was provided by volunteers who organize the various sports groups and social associations in Bardolino; each had a specific role, with a proven organization dating back to 17 editions of an event that started as an experiment and promotion of a new sport, gradually expanding to record-breaking numbers each year at the national level.
The Bardolino event is increasingly sought after by triathletes not only for the prize pool (30 million euros) but also for “the charm of the lake, the sweetness of the hills and vineyards,” as described by the tourism councilor Stefano Tagliaferri.
Issues and Technology of the Event
A race that serves as a showcase and forefront for new technologies accompanying every sporting discipline, especially triathlon, which is now approaching the Olympic stage.
However, the lake event also presents several problems, from organizational issues to specific concerns regarding participants’ safety when jumping into the water and mounting bicycles to race over 40 kilometers of open roads busy with traffic during weekends.
The running segment is arguably the most demanding because, after more than an hour and a half of competition, fatigue and heat cause cramps and exhaustion among less prepared athletes, who require assistance.
This was also the case yesterday, with Red Cross volunteers responding to multiple calls. But in terms of setup and prevention, the Bardolino trophy has always proven up to standard, with one of the safest swimming routes.
“Many organizations in the sector envy us,” says race director Dante Armanini, “and this time it was flawless in every aspect, thanks to the experience of the Centro Nautico.” Mario Becchelli, the radio communication officer and an exceptional witness, who has followed every edition of the Bardolino triathlon, recalls the first race in 1984: “After the running race held in Verona and the bike finish in Bardolino, once entering the water,” Bacchelli remembers, “few managed to finish the race.”
“Others were rescued from the lake by emergency services due to congestion and cramps.” After that experience, which led to reversing the race segments (swimming-biking and running), the critical point has always been the cycling segment, crossing the Gardesana road, which was once again heavily trafficked yesterday for the tourist bridge.
The policing was conducted by the Bardolino Cycling Union and the Valgatara sports group, coordinating with the municipal police and law enforcement to limit the duration of road closures.
Complaints from motorists about the mandatory stops under the sun also arose. Among the innovations of the race, which unfortunately was unfavorable to Italian athletes (current national champion Fabrizio Ferrarese retired, as did Silvia Riccò who won the 1996 edition), was the large screen broadcasting the athletes live.
“An experiment that only partly succeeded,” admits the sports assessor Gino Viola, “and needs improvement for the future.” Alvaro Joppi
