Lone Star 2010 updates

Hey everyone!
Many thanks to all of you who've filled out the survey! It's great to get feedback from everyone, and to make improvements for 2010. Rest assured, we read each and everyone. For those of you who asked us questions on the survey, please keep in mind that the surveys are ANONYMOUS. We don't know who sent them, and can't respond to direct questions posed.

One of the major changes for next year will be to have the Sprint and OLYMPIC, yes, I said Olympic, on Saturday. Our initial plan is to turn the Quarter Iron into a full-blown Olympic, with a 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10K run. Moving it from the Half Iron day allows us to do this.

On Sunday, the Half Iron folks will have the day to themselves. What this will also do is allow the Half Iron athletes to start at 7 AM in the morning, which will be much welcomed, according to the surveys.

On Saturday, the Sprint will start at 7 AM, with the Olympic starting at 8:15. We'll keep the split transitions, so Olympic athletes won't need to vacate transition at 7 AM, when the sprint starts.

For the Half Iron, we're looking good to go to a 1 loop bike course, with the roads on the other side of San Luis Pass being repaired as we speak.

The webcasts were a major success, and we look to improve upon that experience for 2010.

With a later date in April for 2010, Palm Beach will also be rarin' to go. The lagoons will be full, so spectators can spend a day on the beach, and be joined by their athletes after the race. Good stuff!

Look for many other improvements. This year, as we've mentioned, was a challenge due to Hurricane Ike's impact. With that in the rear view mirror, expect things to be in great shape for 2010.

We're already excited about it, and welcome feedback from you all on the changes. Please let us know if you like 'em or not. We haven't gone public with it yet, and are looking to you all for guidance!

Best of luck with the rest of your tri season!
Rock on!
Keith