The 2012 GE Strathclyde Park Triathlon was forced to take place without a swimming section due to continuing problems with the high levels of pollution in Strathclyde Loch.

The artificial Loch, which is located in the picturesque Strathclyde Country Park, was scheduled to host the 1,500 metres open-air swim that began the 2012 GE Strathclyde Park Triathlon.

However, the quality of the water in the Loch has been a source of concern in recent months and the issue reared its head again at the triathlon, meaning that the event had to be changed to a duathlon.

It saw the swim section of the triathlon cancelled and replaced with an additional run section so that it comprised of a 1.3-kilometre run, a 21km bike ride and a final 5km run.

The men's elite race was won by Ritchie Nicholls of Scotland ahead of Australia's Brendan Sexton and Scotland's David McNamee.

The women's elite race was won by England's Katie Hewison ahead of Canada's Lauren Campbell and Australia's Ashlee Bailie.

Katie Hewison (C), reigning duathlon world champion, became the 2012 GE Strathclyde Park Triathlon champion after beating off strong competition from Lauren Campbell (L) and Ashlee Bailie (R)

Meanwhile, the first ever Paratriathlon champions at the GE Strathclyde Park Triathlon were crowned, with five winners, all from the United Kingdom, crowned victors.

The event was hailed a success by organisers but concerns about the venue remain for Glasgow 2014 and it may have to face the prospect of having to relocate the triathlon competition for the Commonwealth Games.

The Loch has now been closed for immersion sports for three months following an outbreak of illness contracted by open water swimmers who took part in an event in June.

However, the Glasgow 2014 will make no final decision on moving the triathlon event until next year, when it will formally investigate the water in the Loch.

"Glasgow 2014 is committed to delivering a high-quality triathlon venue to stage this exciting sport as part of the Commonwealth Games programme," said a Glasgow 2014 spokesperson.

"We are working in partnership with a number of organisations tasked with ensuring the loch in Strathclyde Country Park continues to be used for sporting and recreational purposes and as the triathlon venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"The first of on-going official reports from the group is not due until early to mid-2013 and no decisions will be made until after then."

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