Why choose elite category instead of age group?

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2007-09-30 11:22 PM

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Extreme Veteran
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Luray, Virginia
Subject: Why choose elite category instead of age group?
What is the difference between going with age group ranking and elite?

2007-09-30 11:47 PM
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2007-09-30 11:50 PM
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Extreme Veteran
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Luray, Virginia
Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?
An individual race. Although I didn't know that usat did elite cards.
2007-10-01 9:03 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?

You get to compete head-to-head with a bunch of fast people that you wouldn't normally see if you start in your AG wave.  And you get to start in the first wave (second if there're pros) so you don't lose time passing a bunch of slower people.  Not that I would have any personal experience at this...

I've done only one race that had an elite wave.  They elites weren't eligible for AG awards. 

 

2007-10-01 9:06 AM
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2007-10-01 9:12 AM
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Champion
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?

With a lot of wave starts, once the swim gets mixed up, you have no idea where you are relative to your competition -- is that person just ahead of you from YOUR wave, or an earlier wave?

Most races around here don't offer an elite wave, but if they did, I'd be in it. I like the idea of being able to see where I am relative to the competition. Which is a reason I like the smaller one-wave races.

2007-10-01 11:27 AM
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Pro
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Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?

I recall reading one tri entry form that said Elites must have either USAT Elite membership/status, National Federation card or be an AG with a proven top 3 placing in a tri.  So the ability to just signup as an elite was limited to only the fast ones!  I guess each event can vary though depending onthe size, etc.

2007-10-02 9:05 AM
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Veteran
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Glen Carbon
Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?
You can not just decide to be an elite racer, you have to qualify and pay more for your membership. You are then eligible for prize money offerded at races. All pros are also elite.

Here are the qualifications: http://www.usatriathlon.org/Membership/EliteQualification.aspx
2007-10-02 9:54 AM
in reply to: #984830

Westminster, CO
Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?

my first Oly Tri last year asked, on the entry form, if we wanted to be "first wave."  I checked yes because I thought my times justified it.  Turns out, to my supprise, after the race they classified all "first wavers" as "elites" and I wasn't eligable for an A.G. award.

Oh well.  I wouldn't have changed a thing

2007-10-02 10:07 AM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?
There are usually way less people in the elite category than any age group too. The better athletes like this because there is less people to deal with during the swim, especially if the swim is their weakest discipline.
2007-10-02 7:35 PM
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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?
Hey Brid most of the sprint races around here do off an elite wave. You just have to jump into them.

The advantage is a less swimmer confusion, a good draft if you are inclinded from a fast swimmer, less people in T1 and less bike traffic on course. Down sides? You have to work harder to keep up and not look like a slacker in your wave or get caught by the next

Worth it? You bet from my perspective at the back of the any elite wave. (Someone always has to be last)


2007-10-03 5:51 AM
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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?

Most of the regular size tris have "elite" waves and as stated they are not eligible for AG awards.  They will start first or second and they always have a "qualification" in the race listing as to what standard is required.  For most Olys. this is a 2:10 or better time.

If you are racing in the elite wave, then you are there trying to go for the complete overall or overall amateur award and don't give a s--t about your AG.  And you had better be fast or you will get embarassed.  Don't thik for a second that the top AGers don't look at the results of the elite wave and compare their own times to them ....

2007-10-03 8:04 AM
in reply to: #989061

Champion
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Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: Why choose elite category instead of age group?
yep and of course us bop in the a/g compares ourselves with the elites also. If we beat you there will be huge amounts of laughing but then again we are not even close to qualifing.
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