The invitational triathlon is due to take place on May 24 and is part of an ongoing programme of works to ensure Strathclyde Loch will meet the required water regulation standards set by the International Triathlon Union (ITU).

The work on Strathclyde Loch comes after fears that the triathlon events would have to be moved following the cancelling of swimming events in recent years.

The Great Scottish Swim had to be cancelled in 2010 and 2012 due to the high levels of the naturally occurring blue-green algae in the Loch, which led to competitors falling ill at a previous event.

Last year Loch Lomond stepped in to host the Great Scottish Swim after organisers decided to move the event due to the presence of the algae.

In particular, the levels of blue algae are being monitored and work is being done to prevent high levels of the organism being present in the water during Games time.

To achieve this, a series of man-made barriers have been lowered into the Loch to create a separate swim area.

The water has been treated with a non-toxic phosphorous reducing chemical Phoslock, which was also used prepare the Serpentine Loch for the London 2012 Olympic Games triathlon and marathon swim competitions.

In addition to the water treatment process, ground works including the upgrading of the roads, paths and venue infrastructure are also taking place around the Loch.

"We have worked hard to ensure that Strathclyde Park will prove an outstanding venue for the Triathlon Competition at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg.

He was joined to inspect preparations at the Loch by Scottish Commonwealth Games and Sports Minister Shona Robison, North Lanarkshire Council's Phil Jukes and Scottish triathlete Grant Sheldon.

"We are grateful to all our partners and stakeholders, including the Scottish Government and North Lanarkshire Council, during a combined effort from all parties to prepare the Loch to international standards," said Grevemberg.

"I am truly excited at the prospect of world-class athletes striving for gold and glory during the Games, which was the driving force for all the work done."

From left to right: Phil Juke of North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison, triathlete Grant Sheldon and Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg check progress at Strathclyde Loch ©Glasgow 2014



Three triathlon events are due to take place at Glasgow 2014 with the men's and women's elite competitions being held on Thursday July 24, the opening day of competition.

Athletes will complete a 1,500 metre swim, 40 kilometre bike ride and a 10km run.

The mixed team relay, which will see teams of two male and two female athletes competing in a 400m swim, 10 km bike ride and 2.5km run, is scheduled t take place on Saturday July 26.

"Triathlon Scotland is delighted that Strathclyde Park is now in a state of readiness to welcome the Commonwealth Games athletes in less than 80 days time," said Jane Moncrieff., chief operating officer at Triathlon Scotland.

"We are very pleased that so much time and effort has gone in to turning this venue into a truly world class facility and I am sure that all the athletes will find it both a challenging but enjoyable course.

"We are excited, particularly for our Scottish athletes who will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to race in front of a home crowd."

Triathlon was first on the Commonwealth Games sports programme at Manchester 2002 but was dropped for Delhi 2010.

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