Rev 3 & Challeng merge

I just read that on the 'other' triathlon site

http://www.slowtwitch.com/News/Challenge_partners_with_Rev3_4579.html 

Very interesting

I'm pretty stoked about this and I'll now have two Challenge events in my backyard, so to speak (New Albany & Cedar Point).

Watch out WTC?

I agree with most of what has been said but though this does not mean WTC/IM is going out of business, it is going to get competition in market share from Challenge. Challenge , unlike REV is in the 140.6 distance for the long haul. They pay their pros and though they have not been in the US til this year, they are here to stay. Challenge AC is run by Vigo and delmonte who have been RDing races for years in the US and I am sure other RD's are out there that will expand the 140.6.  Challenge does have the money and can put heat on WTC/IM which I believe is great for the athletes.  As I said IM is not going anywhere and will probably continue to be the leader in the US (because of their 35 years of unimpeded marketing in the US) but now with competition they will have to think long and hard about their policies. I truly think some of there refunds policies etc was a reaction to challenge.

Challenge it definitely taking on the Ironman brand in Europe.  New or 'one and done' long distance athletes tend to gravitate towards the glitzy brand but, in Europe at least (I don't know about the US) the Challenge brand is really differentiating itself in price, service, attitude and its reputation as an athletes race as opposed to being 'all about the bottom line'.

I tend to choose races based solely on the course - i think both companies are very competent and have had great experiences with both Ironman and Challenge but it's very important for both of them to have the credible competition of each other and should end up in much better experiences for us as athletes.

I think the triathlon scene in Europe is different than in the US. Most folks competing in Europe are highly competitive and fast in 140.6 races. I don't believe there is so much as a bucket lister type mentality in Europe in 140.6 races or even 70.3 races. 

I think together Rev 3 and Challenge can become a bigger name and player in the US market.

I believe competition is good for most everything including our sport.  I hope this will improve the tri market and make each entity bring their A game making the athlete experience and race a high quality.