TRIATHLETES have criticised the organiser of a race staged at a historic house after being refused refunds for an event they claim was shambolic.

Almost 200 people, including numerous members of Durham, Darlington, Cleveland, North Yorkshire Police and Richmond triathlon clubs, took part in the Rubicon Middle Distance event at Newby Hall, near Ripon, on Sunday, but have vowed never to take part again.

Others who had paid the £120 fee to compete and spent money staying overnight in the area and months training for the event walked away without taking part.

The race had been supposed to involve a 1.9km swim in the River Ure, a 40km bike ride and 20km run, but the swim was cancelled shortly before the race after heavy rain caused the river to swell, which organisers claimed left it unsafe.

Scores of athletes said they were left with an unacceptable run-cycle-run race, the organisation of which was said to be abject, with claims of lengthy queues, poor signage, a lack of marshalling and medical staff and a dangerous transition area.

Competitors critisied the organisers, York-based Bike2, of the £120-entry event had been reported for refusing to refund entry fees.

Others claimed the swim event had been cancelled as there were not enough marshals, some of whom had pulled out. However, organisers rejected the allegations, saying the decision was taken on safety grounds

Rob Arnold, of Rowlands Gill, near Stanley, said: “All in all it was probably the worst organised race I have ever done in 30 years in triathlon. No marshals on the bike course, apart from a council worker managing temporary traffic lights.”

Emma Stephenson added: “I do feel let down. I do feel as though I was robbed of my entry fee through false promises. I will never enter this race again.”

Ian Horsely said: “This event was a shambles from start to finish. Absolutely no signage up despite being told it was necessary for participants to recce the route.”

Gordon Bell, owner of Bike2, dismissed calls for refunds, saying the swim was cancelled purely for safety reasons and the transition area was “lit up like a cricket pitch” and looked after by organisers, staff and marshals throughout the night.

Mr Bell said there were more than six medics there, from North East Medical and Rescue Services, East Midlands Medical Service and Our Med Ambulance Service.

He said: “My final word is to protect the athletes and I did. They caused their own delays by parking in the wrong area. They were having a go at me in packs of six or seven, but once I spoke to them as individuals they spoke to me like adults. We will look into getting them a discount for next year’s event.”