General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Ironman Access Rss Feed  
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2010-10-27 11:38 AM

Member
48
25
Parker, Colorado
Subject: Ironman Access
Anyone else get this "Ironman Access" Email? Basically, register with this new "club" of sorts for the easy price of $1,000 and get the ability to sign up for IM events a week before the general public? Yeah, you get a LAVA subscription and a club card and all, but COME ON! $1,000? To me it feels kinda sleezy....IM trying to turn us upside down and shake the nickels out of our pockets just becuse they can? Anyone else have thoughts?


2010-10-27 11:39 AM
in reply to: #3175399

Master
1963
10005001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
Just got it...not impressed from a value perspective.

This should hopefully open the door to even more better priced, just as well run (if not better) local races. The competition will work itself out.


Edited by merlin2375 2010-10-27 11:45 AM
2010-10-27 11:41 AM
in reply to: #3175399

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Extreme Veteran
454
1001001001002525
Denver CO
Subject: RE: Ironman Access

Oh, I just posted about this too. I think it's gross.

2010-10-27 11:42 AM
in reply to: #3175399

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Elite
4235
2000200010010025
Spring, TX
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
cullyatt - 2010-10-27 11:38 AM Anyone else get this "Ironman Access" Email? Basically, register with this new "club" of sorts for the easy price of $1,000 and get the ability to sign up for IM events a week before the general public? Yeah, you get a LAVA subscription and a club card and all, but COME ON! $1,000? To me it feels kinda sleezy....IM trying to turn us upside down and shake the nickels out of our pockets just becuse they can? Anyone else have thoughts?


Is WTC putting a gun to your head and making you participate in this hobby?  No, you do this voluntarily, which means that they're not shaking you down at all.  They're a business and are doing exactly what they should be doing: maximizing profit.  Anything else would be irresponsible.

You may not like the prices, but that's the WTCs fault.  I would like to be a member of the Ferrari Owners Club, but I'm not blaming Ferrari for pricing me out of their cars...
2010-10-27 11:45 AM
in reply to: #3175399

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
2 posts of this here in this forum, and 2 more in the TriTalk forum.
2010-10-27 4:40 PM
in reply to: #3175399

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Elite
3060
200010002525
N Carolina
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
I was thinking about traveling to Lake Placid in 2011 to volunteer so I could sign up for 2012.  Considering travel costs for me and my significant other, the access plan could make sense.  Not going to make any quick decisions.  Anyway, WTC is a business and they are in it to make money.  Nobody is forcing you to sign up for the Access plan.


2010-10-28 4:51 AM
in reply to: #3176859

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Elite
3658
200010005001002525
Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: Ironman Access

japarker24 - 2010-10-27 5:40 PM I was thinking about traveling to Lake Placid in 2011 to volunteer so I could sign up for 2012.  Considering travel costs for me and my significant other, the access plan could make sense.  Not going to make any quick decisions.  Anyway, WTC is a business and they are in it to make money.  Nobody is forcing you to sign up for the Access plan.

Keep your eye out for Community Fund Slots or coaching services that include a slot.  In the past the methods have been less than $1600.

2010-10-28 7:15 AM
in reply to: #3175399

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Subject: RE: Ironman Access
If they included one entry fee to the IM of your choosing I do believe I'd go for it.
2010-10-28 8:27 AM
in reply to: #3175399

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Coach
10487
50005000100100100100252525
Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...
2010-10-28 8:38 AM
in reply to: #3178165

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Subject: RE: Ironman Access
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 9:27 AM

I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...


... for the year.
2010-10-28 12:13 PM
in reply to: #3175399

Champion
8903
500020001000500100100100100
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
Ironman Access is sold out for 2011, as was just posted on the IMAZ site.


2010-10-28 12:44 PM
in reply to: #3178165

User image

Master
1920
1000500100100100100
Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 9:27 AM

I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...


Yeah, sarcasm aside- try and fill your race year without doing IM branded races. Just 2 years ago, I could actually fill every month with a non-branded race, and get to those races by driving a car. That way, I could save money by paying less in entrance fees and not having to fly. And I had a lot of options for non-IM events.

Now, however, when I tried to set up my calendar for next year- WTC has purchased and branded many of the races I had considered doing, and jacked up the entrance fee by $50-$100. So, if I want to support non-IM races, I have to fly to the places that actually still HAVE non-IM races. Or I could do Rev3, which charges the same price as IM, and defeats one of the purposes of doing non-IM races (not spending tons of $$).

I don't actually have a huge beef with the IM-brand, overall, (obviously, since I've done a million of their races!), but I am really starting to take issue with the monopoly they're creating in our sport, and very awful tactics they're using. For example -they are forcing the Muncie area to black out 30 days before and after their event, so essentially, no more races can be held there for the months of June and August- the entire summer. That totally sucks!

Anyways, it's easy to say to people that 'you have a choice', etc., but in reality, WTC is making it so that there AREN'T anymore choices, and that's what scares me- not just the corporate greed that this program so blatantly displayed.
2010-10-28 1:19 PM
in reply to: #3179904

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Extreme Veteran
682
500100252525
Canton, MI. via Detroit
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
max - 2010-10-28 12:13 PM Ironman Access is sold out for 2011, as was just posted on the IMAZ site.


And... They have 28 *Likes*
2010-10-28 2:59 PM
in reply to: #3175399

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Veteran
250
1001002525
Maine
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
Sorry if this has already been posted but I couldn't resist . Anyone that's tried to get into an Ironman knows this video is spot on!

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7478523/?ref=nf
2010-10-28 4:05 PM
in reply to: #3180142

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Master
1376
1000100100100252525
Chicago
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 12:44 PM
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 9:27 AM I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...
Yeah, sarcasm aside- try and fill your race year without doing IM branded races. Just 2 years ago, I could actually fill every month with a non-branded race, and get to those races by driving a car. That way, I could save money by paying less in entrance fees and not having to fly. And I had a lot of options for non-IM events. Now, however, when I tried to set up my calendar for next year- WTC has purchased and branded many of the races I had considered doing, and jacked up the entrance fee by $50-$100. So, if I want to support non-IM races, I have to fly to the places that actually still HAVE non-IM races. Or I could do Rev3, which charges the same price as IM, and defeats one of the purposes of doing non-IM races (not spending tons of $$). I don't actually have a huge beef with the IM-brand, overall, (obviously, since I've done a million of their races!), but I am really starting to take issue with the monopoly they're creating in our sport, and very awful tactics they're using. For example -they are forcing the Muncie area to black out 30 days before and after their event, so essentially, no more races can be held there for the months of June and August- the entire summer. That totally sucks! Anyways, it's easy to say to people that 'you have a choice', etc., but in reality, WTC is making it so that there AREN'T anymore choices, and that's what scares me- not just the corporate greed that this program so blatantly displayed.


I agree for the most part that it is a shame to see the local races being gobbled up by Ironman as each local race had its own unique identity.  I am not a WTC apologist, but just to set the record start there is no blackout at Muncie.  Good news came out of the latest Park District meeting, they had an emergency meeting and the blackout was lifted.  They are going to be holding events every 30 days in Muncie. 

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20101019/NEWS01/10190308/Park-board-rules-no-blackouts



Edited by mattb1 2010-10-28 4:08 PM
2010-10-28 4:12 PM
in reply to: #3180720

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Master
1920
1000500100100100100
Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
mattb1 - 2010-10-28 5:05 PM

jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 12:44 PM
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 9:27 AM I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...
Yeah, sarcasm aside- try and fill your race year without doing IM branded races. Just 2 years ago, I could actually fill every month with a non-branded race, and get to those races by driving a car. That way, I could save money by paying less in entrance fees and not having to fly. And I had a lot of options for non-IM events. Now, however, when I tried to set up my calendar for next year- WTC has purchased and branded many of the races I had considered doing, and jacked up the entrance fee by $50-$100. So, if I want to support non-IM races, I have to fly to the places that actually still HAVE non-IM races. Or I could do Rev3, which charges the same price as IM, and defeats one of the purposes of doing non-IM races (not spending tons of $$). I don't actually have a huge beef with the IM-brand, overall, (obviously, since I've done a million of their races!), but I am really starting to take issue with the monopoly they're creating in our sport, and very awful tactics they're using. For example -they are forcing the Muncie area to black out 30 days before and after their event, so essentially, no more races can be held there for the months of June and August- the entire summer. That totally sucks! Anyways, it's easy to say to people that 'you have a choice', etc., but in reality, WTC is making it so that there AREN'T anymore choices, and that's what scares me- not just the corporate greed that this program so blatantly displayed.


I agree for the most part that it is a shame to see the local races being gobbled up by Ironman as each local race had its own unique identity.  I am not a WTC apologist, but just to set the record start there is no blackout at Muncie.  Good news came out of the latest Park District meeting, they had an emergency meeting and the blackout was lifted.  They are going to be holding events every 30 days in Muncie. 

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20101019/NEWS01/10190308/Park-board-rules-no-blackouts



Oh that is great news!!! Phew! Thanks for sharing!

But I still hate that they took Muncie I had planned to race it again in 2011, but I am instead going to do Musselman, since it hasn't been bought.


2010-10-28 4:15 PM
in reply to: #3180725

User image

Master
1376
1000100100100252525
Chicago
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 4:12 PM
mattb1 - 2010-10-28 5:05 PM
jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 12:44 PM
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 9:27 AM I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...
Yeah, sarcasm aside- try and fill your race year without doing IM branded races. Just 2 years ago, I could actually fill every month with a non-branded race, and get to those races by driving a car. That way, I could save money by paying less in entrance fees and not having to fly. And I had a lot of options for non-IM events. Now, however, when I tried to set up my calendar for next year- WTC has purchased and branded many of the races I had considered doing, and jacked up the entrance fee by $50-$100. So, if I want to support non-IM races, I have to fly to the places that actually still HAVE non-IM races. Or I could do Rev3, which charges the same price as IM, and defeats one of the purposes of doing non-IM races (not spending tons of $$). I don't actually have a huge beef with the IM-brand, overall, (obviously, since I've done a million of their races!), but I am really starting to take issue with the monopoly they're creating in our sport, and very awful tactics they're using. For example -they are forcing the Muncie area to black out 30 days before and after their event, so essentially, no more races can be held there for the months of June and August- the entire summer. That totally sucks! Anyways, it's easy to say to people that 'you have a choice', etc., but in reality, WTC is making it so that there AREN'T anymore choices, and that's what scares me- not just the corporate greed that this program so blatantly displayed.


I agree for the most part that it is a shame to see the local races being gobbled up by Ironman as each local race had its own unique identity.  I am not a WTC apologist, but just to set the record start there is no blackout at Muncie.  Good news came out of the latest Park District meeting, they had an emergency meeting and the blackout was lifted.  They are going to be holding events every 30 days in Muncie. 

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20101019/NEWS01/10190308/Park-board-rules-no-blackouts

Oh that is great news!!! Phew! Thanks for sharing! But I still hate that they took Muncie I had planned to race it again in 2011, but I am instead going to do Musselman, since it hasn't been bought.


I feel your pain.  Muncie was my first ever half back in 2007.  Still trying to figure out which one to do next year that is close to Chicago. 
2010-10-28 4:18 PM
in reply to: #3180729

User image

Master
1920
1000500100100100100
Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
mattb1 - 2010-10-28 5:15 PM

jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 4:12 PM
mattb1 - 2010-10-28 5:05 PM
jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 12:44 PM
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 9:27 AM I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...
Yeah, sarcasm aside- try and fill your race year without doing IM branded races. Just 2 years ago, I could actually fill every month with a non-branded race, and get to those races by driving a car. That way, I could save money by paying less in entrance fees and not having to fly. And I had a lot of options for non-IM events. Now, however, when I tried to set up my calendar for next year- WTC has purchased and branded many of the races I had considered doing, and jacked up the entrance fee by $50-$100. So, if I want to support non-IM races, I have to fly to the places that actually still HAVE non-IM races. Or I could do Rev3, which charges the same price as IM, and defeats one of the purposes of doing non-IM races (not spending tons of $$). I don't actually have a huge beef with the IM-brand, overall, (obviously, since I've done a million of their races!), but I am really starting to take issue with the monopoly they're creating in our sport, and very awful tactics they're using. For example -they are forcing the Muncie area to black out 30 days before and after their event, so essentially, no more races can be held there for the months of June and August- the entire summer. That totally sucks! Anyways, it's easy to say to people that 'you have a choice', etc., but in reality, WTC is making it so that there AREN'T anymore choices, and that's what scares me- not just the corporate greed that this program so blatantly displayed.


I agree for the most part that it is a shame to see the local races being gobbled up by Ironman as each local race had its own unique identity.  I am not a WTC apologist, but just to set the record start there is no blackout at Muncie.  Good news came out of the latest Park District meeting, they had an emergency meeting and the blackout was lifted.  They are going to be holding events every 30 days in Muncie. 

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20101019/NEWS01/10190308/Park-board-rules-no-blackouts

Oh that is great news!!! Phew! Thanks for sharing! But I still hate that they took Muncie I had planned to race it again in 2011, but I am instead going to do Musselman, since it hasn't been bought.


I feel your pain.  Muncie was my first ever half back in 2007.  Still trying to figure out which one to do next year that is close to Chicago. 


We are also planning to do a new event in MI- it will be in Grand Rapids on June 5th. It just got approved, so it's obviously a first year event- but it's close to Chicago and not IM!
2010-10-28 6:09 PM
in reply to: #3180142

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Coach
10487
50005000100100100100252525
Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 12:44 PM
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 9:27 AM I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...
Yeah, sarcasm aside- try and fill your race year without doing IM branded races. Just 2 years ago, I could actually fill every month with a non-branded race, and get to those races by driving a car. That way, I could save money by paying less in entrance fees and not having to fly. And I had a lot of options for non-IM events. Now, however, when I tried to set up my calendar for next year- WTC has purchased and branded many of the races I had considered doing, and jacked up the entrance fee by $50-$100. So, if I want to support non-IM races, I have to fly to the places that actually still HAVE non-IM races. Or I could do Rev3, which charges the same price as IM, and defeats one of the purposes of doing non-IM races (not spending tons of $$). I don't actually have a huge beef with the IM-brand, overall, (obviously, since I've done a million of their races!), but I am really starting to take issue with the monopoly they're creating in our sport, and very awful tactics they're using. For example -they are forcing the Muncie area to black out 30 days before and after their event, so essentially, no more races can be held there for the months of June and August- the entire summer. That totally sucks! Anyways, it's easy to say to people that 'you have a choice', etc., but in reality, WTC is making it so that there AREN'T anymore choices, and that's what scares me- not just the corporate greed that this program so blatantly displayed.


is it WTC fault? I guess it is easy to hate the 'big' guy but what about those selling their races? No blame for the RDs selling their races at all? A local favorite RD and producer of the most popular races sold his series to become 70.3. Others didn't and still are around growing offering other alternatives or fitting another niche.

What about local associations or clubs/teams stepping up and offering other choices? Maybe there is a market, maybe there isn't but at some point someone has to pony up the time or money, things doesn't happen for free.

As a former RD and knowing how much work goes into organizing a stinky dinky 400 people sprint race for very little profit and how athletes barely appreciate it thinking you make millions or that you owe them to work almost for free so they can have a few hours of fun, I would be the 1st in line hoping to sell my race. That's the reason I chose not to be an RD anymore, for me the ROI was not worth my time (also event production is not my passion).
2010-10-28 7:33 PM
in reply to: #3175399


52
2525
Subject: RE: Ironman Access

I feel the "Ironman" name is really starting to water itself down. Capitalism, corporate greed whatever you want to call it, you can not go to a small town, small event without seeing some type of Ironman insignia attached to it. Not everyone gets into this sport for the so-called Ironman experience. I am still trying to wrap my head around a $1000 a year "membership" just so I can sign up a week earlier for a IM, if you want to race a particular Ironman branded event that bad why wouldnt you just go the way of the  community foundation slot, still much cheaper than this so-called membership. Oh yae I can get a free mag subscription, Oh boy!   

2010-10-28 8:00 PM
in reply to: #3180867

User image

Master
1920
1000500100100100100
Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 7:09 PM

jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 12:44 PM
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 9:27 AM I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...
Yeah, sarcasm aside- try and fill your race year without doing IM branded races. Just 2 years ago, I could actually fill every month with a non-branded race, and get to those races by driving a car. That way, I could save money by paying less in entrance fees and not having to fly. And I had a lot of options for non-IM events. Now, however, when I tried to set up my calendar for next year- WTC has purchased and branded many of the races I had considered doing, and jacked up the entrance fee by $50-$100. So, if I want to support non-IM races, I have to fly to the places that actually still HAVE non-IM races. Or I could do Rev3, which charges the same price as IM, and defeats one of the purposes of doing non-IM races (not spending tons of $$). I don't actually have a huge beef with the IM-brand, overall, (obviously, since I've done a million of their races!), but I am really starting to take issue with the monopoly they're creating in our sport, and very awful tactics they're using. For example -they are forcing the Muncie area to black out 30 days before and after their event, so essentially, no more races can be held there for the months of June and August- the entire summer. That totally sucks! Anyways, it's easy to say to people that 'you have a choice', etc., but in reality, WTC is making it so that there AREN'T anymore choices, and that's what scares me- not just the corporate greed that this program so blatantly displayed.


is it WTC fault? I guess it is easy to hate the 'big' guy but what about those selling their races? No blame for the RDs selling their races at all? A local favorite RD and producer of the most popular races sold his series to become 70.3. Others didn't and still are around growing offering other alternatives or fitting another niche.

What about local associations or clubs/teams stepping up and offering other choices? Maybe there is a market, maybe there isn't but at some point someone has to pony up the time or money, things doesn't happen for free.

As a former RD and knowing how much work goes into organizing a stinky dinky 400 people sprint race for very little profit and how athletes barely appreciate it thinking you make millions or that you owe them to work almost for free so they can have a few hours of fun, I would be the 1st in line hoping to sell my race. That's the reason I chose not to be an RD anymore, for me the ROI was not worth my time (also event production is not my passion).


I am not trying to blame anyone, in particular, but I am trying to articulate one of the potential problems with the WTC controlling every event in triathlon- and to point out a flaw in the argument 'you don't like WTC, then do another event!'. Slowly, there are fewer and fewer events to chose from, and that usually doesn't work out the best for the consumer. Maybe the WTC isn't actually trying to buy up every event, (including sprints and olympics)- but over the past 3 years, it has seemed more and more like they are trying to create a monopoly on race production for triathlons. We may disagree on this point, because it has a lot more to do with fundamental views on economics/legislation/role of gov't, etc- but I fundamentally do not like monopolies, and so I would not like my race choices to be monopolized by WTC. I don't think it's good for the consumer- and oh yeah- we have laws against that type of thing!

I obviously will continue to race in IM events for a variety of reasons, but I also have tried, and will continue to try, to support locally owned events as well. I just wish there were more local events to chose from, and that the other brand of IM (Rev3) were trying to compete by pricing their events to be more competitive.

Oh, and I DO know who to blame - capitalism


2010-10-28 8:20 PM
in reply to: #3175399

User image

Master
1920
1000500100100100100
Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
And I just want to clarify- I DO like IM branded events- I like the fanfare, the tons of volunteers, the whole environment, etc. But I don't think every race needs to be an IM-like event, with the IM price tag, especially since I like to do 4 or 5 events per year. I've equally enjoyed my experience at smaller events. There are events that put on a great race for a lot less money (like Musselman and Pigman), and if every single one of them gets bought by WTC, then those of us that don't fit into the 'typical' triathlete income bracket will be forced out of events that were previously affordable. I don't need nor want the IM hoopla with every half-ironman distance that I do, so there is no gain (personally) if WTC buys those events. I will try to continue to support local events- I just don't think it needs to be an all-or-nothing type of deal. Like- I'm not going to totally boycott WTC, or anything, but at the same time, it would be nice if WTC doesn't go and try to buy every single triathlon event within driving distance of my house
2010-10-28 9:56 PM
in reply to: #3181081

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman Access
jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 8:00 PM
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 7:09 PM
jazz82482 - 2010-10-28 12:44 PM
JorgeM - 2010-10-28 9:27 AM I am quitting Ironman brand races forever! That is, after I race a 70.3 to try qualifying for the new Vegas 70.3 Championship and and IM Coz to try qualifying for Kona and if I qualify for any or both, I'll race those as well. But after that, I swear, I am done...
Yeah, sarcasm aside- try and fill your race year without doing IM branded races. Just 2 years ago, I could actually fill every month with a non-branded race, and get to those races by driving a car. That way, I could save money by paying less in entrance fees and not having to fly. And I had a lot of options for non-IM events. Now, however, when I tried to set up my calendar for next year- WTC has purchased and branded many of the races I had considered doing, and jacked up the entrance fee by $50-$100. So, if I want to support non-IM races, I have to fly to the places that actually still HAVE non-IM races. Or I could do Rev3, which charges the same price as IM, and defeats one of the purposes of doing non-IM races (not spending tons of $$). I don't actually have a huge beef with the IM-brand, overall, (obviously, since I've done a million of their races!), but I am really starting to take issue with the monopoly they're creating in our sport, and very awful tactics they're using. For example -they are forcing the Muncie area to black out 30 days before and after their event, so essentially, no more races can be held there for the months of June and August- the entire summer. That totally sucks! Anyways, it's easy to say to people that 'you have a choice', etc., but in reality, WTC is making it so that there AREN'T anymore choices, and that's what scares me- not just the corporate greed that this program so blatantly displayed.


is it WTC fault? I guess it is easy to hate the 'big' guy but what about those selling their races? No blame for the RDs selling their races at all? A local favorite RD and producer of the most popular races sold his series to become 70.3. Others didn't and still are around growing offering other alternatives or fitting another niche.

What about local associations or clubs/teams stepping up and offering other choices? Maybe there is a market, maybe there isn't but at some point someone has to pony up the time or money, things doesn't happen for free.

As a former RD and knowing how much work goes into organizing a stinky dinky 400 people sprint race for very little profit and how athletes barely appreciate it thinking you make millions or that you owe them to work almost for free so they can have a few hours of fun, I would be the 1st in line hoping to sell my race. That's the reason I chose not to be an RD anymore, for me the ROI was not worth my time (also event production is not my passion).
I am not trying to blame anyone, in particular, but I am trying to articulate one of the potential problems with the WTC controlling every event in triathlon- and to point out a flaw in the argument 'you don't like WTC, then do another event!'. Slowly, there are fewer and fewer events to chose from, and that usually doesn't work out the best for the consumer. Maybe the WTC isn't actually trying to buy up every event, (including sprints and olympics)- but over the past 3 years, it has seemed more and more like they are trying to create a monopoly on race production for triathlons. We may disagree on this point, because it has a lot more to do with fundamental views on economics/legislation/role of gov't, etc- but I fundamentally do not like monopolies, and so I would not like my race choices to be monopolized by WTC. I don't think it's good for the consumer- and oh yeah- we have laws against that type of thing! I obviously will continue to race in IM events for a variety of reasons, but I also have tried, and will continue to try, to support locally owned events as well. I just wish there were more local events to chose from, and that the other brand of IM (Rev3) were trying to compete by pricing their events to be more competitive. Oh, and I DO know who to blame - capitalism


There's a tiny town 4 miles from my house called Waterloo, WI.  It's the 2nd year they've put on a sprint tri (indoor pool swim).  WTC BETTER NOT TOUCH THIS ONE OR I'M DOOMED!!!
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