And there we go...WTC breaks into the Olympic Distance scene (Page 4)

undertheradar - 2010-10-06 11:18 AM



So it really just comes down to how much it will cost you right?  I mean, none of the positives you listed are going anywhere.  Is the %75 just a guess, or is that accurate?   What was it before?

running2far - 2010-10-06 11:21 AM RACINE was $125 early bird with HFP racing next year looks like 225-250 depending on when you reg.

Fastyellow - 2010-10-06 8:12 AM I think this is awesome and great for the sport. I just did LA Tri and it was $270 or something and I would gladly pay that for a race of that size and production. Venice, Olympic and Grand among other main streets in downtown LA were completely closed. You have to pay for something like that.

There are a million other cheaper races that are available for those on a budget. There will continue to be as long as there is a market for them.

I like a big stage and WTC brings that to shorter races. I'm all for it!

JoshKaptur - 2010-10-06 8:14 AM Walmart offers lower quality stuff for a lower price.  WTC offers [imho] a far superior product at a much higher price.

Whether the product they offer justifies the price is a matter for each individual consumer to decide.  It seems that most of this thread's participants believe it does not.  But it seems to me based on sold out races at both the 140.6 and 70.3 distances, there are plenty of consumers who think that it does.

I suspect the market will ensure that there is expensive high end races, cheaper almost as nice races, and even cheaper barely get anything races.  You get to vote with your wallet. 

I vote we all b*tch and moan about the evil company that is FORCING me to give them my credit card in a capitalist society.

briderdt - 2010-10-06 11:24 AM
Not with WTC blocking out half the season just because they have AN event...

undertheradar - 2010-10-06 11:18 AM

So it really just comes down to how much it will cost you right?  I mean, none of the positives you listed are going anywhere.  Is the %75 just a guess, or is that accurate?   What was it before?

tri808 - 2010-10-06 12:30 PM I understand that prices will go up, but I don't necessarily see that as a 100% bad thing.  Prices can only go up significantly if the WTC feels that people are willing to pay that price.  If that's true, then that means the sport has grown larger and reaches a larger population.  When the sport grows, so does sponsorship, and bike and apparel manufacturers need to be more competitive with each other to grab a larger share of the new market.

I also assume that would also create a demand for smaller and more affordable races to pop up in it's place to accomodate the masses who may not be able to afford these new WTC 5150 races.

In the end, it's a shame that some people may not be able to afford to race with the elites now...but it's part of economics.  If there is a large enough demand for a specific product, then prices will rise.  It's no different than prices of tickets to pro sporting events, concerts, or buying the "tickle me elmo" type product that every kid has to have during christmas.

mktoson - 2010-10-06 11:48 AM

But if WTC forces blackout clauses when negotiating with local city gov't it makes it that much harder to put on those affordable races to get a permit to even operate. 

tri808 - 2010-10-06 11:30 AM I understand that prices will go up, but I don't necessarily see that as a 100% bad thing.  Prices can only go up significantly if the WTC feels that people are willing to pay that price.  If that's true, then that means the sport has grown larger and reaches a larger population.  When the sport grows, so does sponsorship, and bike and apparel manufacturers need to be more competitive with each other to grab a larger share of the new market.

I also assume that would also create a demand for smaller and more affordable races to pop up in it's place to accomodate the masses who may not be able to afford these new WTC 5150 races.

In the end, it's a shame that some people may not be able to afford to race with the elites now...but it's part of economics.  If there is a large enough demand for a specific product, then prices will rise.  It's no different than prices of tickets to pro sporting events, concerts, or buying the "tickle me elmo" type product that every kid has to have during christmas.

Bioteknik - 2010-10-06 12:37 PM

so how long until some of you convert to racing off-road?

;-)

Regional championships are <100, most local races are 50-65. 

Bioteknik - 2010-10-06 12:37 PM

so how long until some of you convert to racing off-road?

;-)

Regional championships are <100, most local races are 50-65. 

the bear - 2010-10-06 9:33 AM Similarly, I have done either the full or half at the Mardi GRAS Marathon every year since 2002, with th price of the half around $45,. Last year the R 'n' R folks came in, gave the previous year's participants a special price of $50. I saw no positive changes in the race. This year the price for the half is $95. Looks like I won't be doing another.

running2far - 2010-10-06 1:51 PM Cyclocross races are $25 bucks, 10 bucks more if you want to race twice.....No banners, medals, t-shirts, just a bunch of guys/gals that love to race and have fun. Great VIBE

undertheradar - 2010-10-06 11:50 AM

Nobody is "forcing" anything.   The local government is making that decision...so blame your city instead.

trix - 2010-10-06 8:20 AM

i see your point and not sure if any of the races on that particular roster you have attend in the past.  

i can afford 250 / 350 / 550 for a race.  but to me its all about the product that you get for the fee.  i am still smart about how i spend my money. 

i think what you have here is what alot of AMERICANS love in general .... branding.  WTC has made a name for itself for IM distance races.  FANTASTIC....but now they are supposedly bring that "experience" to shorter courses.


my point is....i am willing to spend money if the product really is good.  i just don't see how a race that is already top notch going to be improved....in fact i will bet money the only thing will be some nicer banners....

the course will be identical...maybe brings few more pros...maybe the t-shirt is nicer and so is the medal....i am not sure if my point is clear enough?

and they create a monopoly while doing it.

Fastyellow - 2010-10-06 12:19 PM. As I said, I'm all for bigger races. It also helps with sponsors if you can do well at higher profile events, more often. 

tri808 - 2010-10-06 1:23 PM

I totally understand your point.  I agree that the races will likely not have any value added other than branding.  Is that worth a 50-100% price hike...well...obviously the WTC feels that it is and that there will be enough people that agree with them to sell out their races.

As I said before, it's simple economics.  Why do I need to improve my product if you are willing to pay more for the product as it is now?  Well, maybe everyone isn't willing to pay more, but there are people waiting that will gladly take those spots at an increased price.

Like fastyellow mentioned, I think there is a problem with entitlement.  We do not have the right to have races that everyone can afford.  Race directors will operate in a way that benefits them and their sponsors the most.  If achieving that goal means excluding people with less disposable income, that's not their problem.