TOWN OF PROGRESO - on the Gulf Coast .. Annual Triathlon

The distance from Merida to Progreso is about 50Km and rather than go by bus we decided a cab would be easier, especially with the number of bags we were accumulating.   

Our cabbie, Sylvestre, collected us on time from the hotel  but immediately began apologizing profusely for something that  he called 'his wind'.....William raised an eyebrow and I knew I had something in the first aid kit that would help him but soon it became clear - it was his airconditioning system that had broken down.     It was the breeziest ride ever - all windows wound fully down, the noise @ 60 miles an hour defied conversation and  trucks and cars overtaking us kicked up dust and gravel - most of it landing on us as Sylvestre remained shielded behind his windscreen.

The main road from Merida to Progreso is a real highway - not many in Mexico -  and  45 minutes after departing we were entering the outer limits of the town which was brimming with activity - there seemed to be thousands of people everywhere, mobile food stands were creating a muddle of wonderful smells from sweet pancakes, fresh popped corn to barbecues.  

Several roads had been cordoned off,  making access to our hotel complicated,  Police were in abundance blowing whistles, demonstrative hand signals stopping traffic then waving it on as many of the traffic lights appeared to be not working.  It turned out that our arrival had coincided perfectly with the annual Triathlon from Progreso to Merida which was to take place next day!

We settled into our room and from the balcony had a fine view of the preparations for tomorrow – music was being played at full volume, commentators were rehearsing their wording,  upward of 1500 racing bikes were lined up along the barriers, bikers were adjusting saddles and greasing their bikes working parts - a real party was in swing

With the demise of my camera this video taken using William's Android -  production is not great but gives you an idea of what was happening.  Try full screen if you can and make sure your sound is on.

 

The picture below is the next day - Sunday 1st Feb 2015 - and you can see at the top of the picture the athelets starting to form a queue on the beach for the first part of the triathlon....the half mile swim.

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Groups of 50 people at a time were allowed into the water by the stewards  - there were several safety boats and coastguard vessels lying about 100 yards offshore to ensure safety in case of swimmers getting into difficulties.   Once they had completed  the swim there was a 300 yards run along the beach back to their bicycles and away.(sorry about blurry look to this shot - I really must replace my camera)