HONG KONG - The potential folly of holding the Olympic's equestrian events in Hong Kong was evident today as a tropical cyclone lashed the territory, forcing the city into lock-down mode.
Tropical cyclone Kammuri arrived as predicted overnight, bringing with it winds up to 120kph.
A typhoon warning
had been in place since Monday. Locals are well prepared to handle wild weather prevalent at this time of year on the south China peninsula.
The Hong Kong government has warned people to stay indoors and avoid standing near windows, while business owners have been told to turn off neon signs in anticipation of power being disrupted. Radio and television post updates at four intervals every hour.
Streets and roads are practically deserted while public transport has been pared back.
The weather has affected preparations at the equestrian base at Sha Tin, with the horses confined to their state-of-the-art stables.
New Zealand equestrian team leader Wally Niederer said there were no concerns about the horses' safety, the weather was simply a frustration.
Niederer experienced a similar scenario last August when in Hong Kong for equestrian's test event.
"It only lasted a day, you just have to batten down for 24 hours," he said.
Bad weather, including thunderstorms, is predicted to continue up to and including the start of the three-day event on Saturday.
Two reserve days have been factored into the schedule and if the conditions do not improve, it is possible the two-day dressage component will be compressed into a single day.
The cross country course can also be shortened.
The New Zealand eventing team of Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Caroline Powell, Heelan Tompkins and Joe Meyer learn on Friday afternoon where they are positioned in Saturday's dressage schedule.
The dressage is scheduled to start at 6.30am (10.30am NZT) with a second session held in the evening as organisers spare horses the prospect of performing when the temperature is at its maximum.
The cross country is set down for Beas River on Monday while the team and individual medals are awarded after the showjumping round on Tuesday night (NZT).
- NZPA
