Eagleman

There's a thread over on ST that started yesterday.  No official confirmation, but it doesn't sound very good.

Mark

don't worry... says the man with nothing invested.

Not trying to be an azz, but no YOU don't.  Your athlete and your friends do and I'm sure that they are worried (concerned, pessimistic, whatever you want to call it.).  I highly doubt that they are just humming along thinking "eh... no big deal".  I'm sure they are thinking about other race options, can I pay for other lodging and airfare, etc.

Fact is that as of right now we have an open admission that the event (organization) needs someone to step in to fund it.  Will it happen? who knows.  Should everyone planning to race start to reevaluate their options?  Absolutely.... and the longer this drags out, the worse its going to be for those of us invested in the race... other races are going to sell out, hotels will book up, etc. 

There's an article posted on the ST main page that fills in a few more details.  Apparently Tri Columbia who puts on the race (under franchise from WTC) is on the ropes financially.  Sounds like they're looking for a white knight (with a big pile of cash) to bail them out.

What I read between the lines is that they built their budgeting on a full entry of 2,500. and so far have less than 1,000 signed up for this year's event.  

Mark

After Vigo left the events got considerably worse. No wonder registration is down; for the price they don't deliver anymore.

Yeah, I should have been clearer about that.  The point is that they seem to have developed a  huge hole in their corporate cash flow stream.  A lot of the costs of putting on a race are front-loaded, so they may be running on fumes now.

Mark

We will agree to disagree on this... everything you've done for your athlete is an investment that you were paid for, unless of course you've got a "full refund if the race is cancelled" policy.

The $250 is the small potatoes, those truly invested also have airfare costs, lodging costs, training plan structures, time off work planned, kids out of school plans, etc, etc. Sure as of right now E-Man is advertised as good to by WTC, unfortunately the company that actually puts the race on has essentially closed up shop, unless an investor is found.  I certainly hope that one is, but backup plans must be made and hopeful everyone can afford them (in all senses of the word afford). 

Can't say that I've ever seen that in a coaching agreement.

Mark

But it wouldn't be WTC cancelling the race it would be TriColumbia?  Who also is in danger of bankruptcy?  IF it's cancelled I'm not holding out hope for much of refund or entry to another race.

No matter what happens, or who (if anyone) bails the race out.......you've seen the last of it's big popularity.  There will be far fewer people willing to make plans to travel, etc. to a race that will now have this cloud over it.  Personally, if I ran a race management company, I'd pass.  It would take years to build up confidence again. 

I'm with Ben on this.  I have three athletes registered for Eagleman.  While as a coach, I don't have a financial stake in the race, I am still invested intellectually, and emotionally to a degree.  Most coaches do what we do because we want to help people.  The idea of two of my athletes being disappointed and potentially suffering financial loss on any level creates a bit of stress for me.

I also agree with Ben saying not to worry too much about it until more information is available.  That has nothing to do with the amount of my investment, but everything to do with maintaining a level head and not hitting the panic button prematurely.