Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? (Page 2): Triathlon Forum: Slowtwitch Forums

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Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia?

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TheRock

May 31, 10 22:03

Post #26 of 68 (1558 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Ultra, I'm a Kiwi and am still in shock over the fast sellout of Ironman New Zealand.

I wouldn't worry about the guys who don't give a rats bum about what's happened down here and in Australia.

Next year their entry fees will be $1000 and then they will be complaining. Their races will still fill in record speed. They will miss out.

The Red Baron

Jun 1, 10 2:14

Post #27 of 68 (1512 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

The fact that they also cut back the number of Ironman spots as well as taking the spots away from Malaysia yet again waters down the "World Championship" tag for Kona but hey, the US is geiting more races and more spots and so no doubt that is the most important thing.

No coincidence there's rumoured to be another US Ironman race in texas next year then?

canuck8

Jun 1, 10 6:00

Post #28 of 68 (1461 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [tridork] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

how about lack of entrants?

Freakin' hot and killer humid. Kinda hard day.

I remember a bunchof years ago (2005?) when they had more kona slots than finishers! (33 slots for 29 finishers or something like that)

Brian Rhodes of New Zealand won it a few times, but the times were slowish (understandably)

I wouldn't even consider doing that race after holidaying in nearby Thailand a couple of times. I would sweat just looking out of the hotel lobby! I can't imagine racing in those conditions!

Sad that it's gone, but maybe they will start one in a more forgiving location (especially since IM field size seems to be getting limited to 1400 people these days)

I raced it twice ,in 2007 and 2008. Although I live in SEA , it is defintely the hottest IM I have done. A true lesson in hydration / electrolyte management.

I don't think a lack of participants is the problem.
In 2003( I believe ) an athlete hit a motorbike or a motorbike hit an athlete. This is what I heard and led to WTC attempting to withdraw the licensing rights from the Malayasian organisers. 2004 race was cancelled , then give the OK 3 weeks prior to race day , if I recall correctly.
Hence , the few participants that were savvy enough to get to the start line ,secured Kona slots ,if they finished in "reasonable" time.
In 2005 or 2006 I think, the WTC took the Malaysian organisers to court and lost the case trying to revoke the rights to hold the race.
The original contract stood and expired Feb 2010. I presume WTC was seriously pissed after having lost its case 5 years prior and has no interest to renew.
Oddly enough PutraJaya 70.3 ( outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ) is organized by the same race directors as Langkawi , Ironman Malaysia and up until now ,the event ,which was held first week of October last year has yet to be finalised.

NOTE: This is ALL what I heard and not gospel truth !

I did see Ben Fertic at the event in 2008 and all "seemed" kosher.

Anyway , whatever the reason ,it is a sad loss.
The organisers tried hard to make this event a success and were creative in its organisation. The bike route was changed annually and roads were fine IMO.
My condolences to all of the participants who will be unable to afford to race an IM distance outside of the region.
There are some talented athletes in SEA that battle to secure funding to even take slots let alone travel to the big dance.

Thank you for the great memories IM Malaysia :)

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

wiffcheese

Jun 1, 10 6:12

Post #29 of 68 (1446 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [xcsnail] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

It is a real shame. I did the race and found it was better organized than any of the NA races I have done.

Maybe WTC is trying to kill off the races that it doesn't own or make huge $$$ from like it does at IMLP where it gets a cut from every hotel room in town.

WTC you stink!! I am proud to say I will never enter any of your races again.

How dare they make money! Damn those evil business owners.

canuck8

Jun 1, 10 6:20

Post #30 of 68 (1433 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

but hey, the US is geiting more races and more spots and so no doubt that is the most important thing.

.

Dollars are the most important thing to a corporation - or, loonies, yen, or ringgit, if you prefer.

Gee,thank's for the economics lesson,I never knew that.

My problem is that the most popular international triathlon series on the planet is run by a company that does not seem to care about the development of the sport at an international level.The same sport that is the reason they are making all that coin.

Hey they can do what they like but as someone who has watched the Ironman series develop over the last 26 years I'm very saddend by what they are doing.

You have your opinion and I have mine.

.

Your wasting your time rguing with him Nick :)
It is truly a sad situation , if Asia does not have a single IM event.
Korea , Malaysia , Japan all gone.
Not like there is not a participant base that can finance these races either. I know Singapore alone has 150-200 paticipants in Malaysia annually itself.

Well , if WTC keeps pushing like this, it just makes it all the easier for the organisers of the other multisport endurance races to walk in and take advantage of the infrastructure and "proven" local organiers that are already in place. IE: The organisers of Roth , Abu Dhabi , etc.

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

toby-art of tri

Jun 1, 10 6:28

Post #31 of 68 (1417 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

You forgot there is still IM China.

art of tri | BikefitAsia

has-been

Jun 1, 10 6:40

Post #32 of 68 (1397 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Exactly. If the races will fill up and the local governments are supportive, then someone else will come in and do the job. If this is the case, then why is WTC walking away from all that cash?

I agree that it does suck that an Ironman is not available in Asia and has reduced it's 140.6 presence in OZ. But no one has really offered an explanation of why other than WTC is just a piece of the male anatomy.

FastandFun

Jun 1, 10 8:35

Post #33 of 68 (1350 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

How do you figure that WTC isn't to blame?They took over the running of Ironman Oz and Ironman West Oz from IMG a month or so ago.They are the ones who made the changes.WTC Asia Pacific now runs IM China,IM OZ and IM West Oz.

.

Boo hoo. One thing I learned while in OZ... Aussies pretend to HTFU, but they complain just as much as Americans do.

Put up or shut up I say.

Pete

Jun 1, 10 9:58

Post #34 of 68 (1300 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [FastandFun] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Put up or shut up I say.

LOL! That's the problem...they are putting up. All three down under IMs for next year are sold out for the first time ever...I don't think you understand how significant that is in this part of the world. The demand is unprecedented, so why did WTC take away the supply?

Its a shame about Malaysia...that was my go-to race for another Kona slot if/when I ever feel like doing Hawaii (and too slow to qualify elsewhere) ;)

blood, sweat...and big gears

I hated every minute of training, but I said, ''Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.''
- Muhammad Ali

FastandFun

Jun 1, 10 11:59

Post #35 of 68 (1244 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [show pony] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

so why did WTC take away the supply?

Because, despite what you may think, Australia is not the center of the universe.

Kona is way over-rated anyways. I'd rather go to Hawaii to surf and drink beer than race a triathlon.
Try a non branded IM... you might be surprised at how enjoyable they are.

tridork

Jun 1, 10 14:24

Post #36 of 68 (1187 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [FastandFun] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

so why did WTC take away the supply?

Hear hear!

I've done Challenge Wanaka (here in New Zealand) 2 of the last 3 years (and will go back for sure) and I was amazed how good a race it was. In fact it was like IM of old. Back when it felt like a challenge, like you were different and that you were part of the family that was racing. The race organizers are fantastic and put their heart and soul into it. I cannot say enough about how good they are and how fantastic the race there actually is. As a none WTC race I was really surprised how great they were at putting on a top notch and really enjoyable race.

Over the past few years the WTC has had a quantum shift from their previous approach of making money by providing a great product (and doing so over the long haul) to being a cash flow above all else, kind of mentality. I have no problem with a business making money and even making a good profit because they make a great product or provide a great service, but IMHO WTC has crossed a line and I no longer "feel the love" from or for them.

Maybe they will see the light and become a better company but with escalating demand (and profits) there will be little incentive for them to do that, and that is disappointing.

TriDork

"Happiness is a myth. All you can hope for is to get laid once in a while, drunk once in a while and to eat chocolate every day"

Ultra-tri-guy

Jun 1, 10 14:45

Post #37 of 68 (1171 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [FastandFun] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

so why did WTC take away the supply?

.....................................................................................

Hey dickhead,nobody down here is saying that we are the center of the universe,we leave that up to the Americans and the French to believe that.I'd try to explain to you what we are saying and the impact it has has down here but you obviously won't understand.

I know Kona is over-rated and have no plans to do that race or any other WTC run event in the future.I've done a few independant Iron races and will do two more this year as well as a few Ultras which are way more fun than any Ironman.

And yes we have our fair share of whiners here in Oz,which is just part of our English heritage but at least we have the guts to have a whine with our names put out there for all to see instead of keeping our indentiy a secret just like you.

Fucking pansy!

.

(This post was edited by Ultra-tri-guy on Jun 1, 10 14:55)

FastandFun

Jun 1, 10 15:07

Post #38 of 68 (1156 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Impact?

If you calculated domestic kona spots per triathlete, I'd say Australia comes out pretty good.
Europe has only 7 WTC events... and well over 1/2 billion people... how many triathletes..?
Australia has 20million people and how many triathletes?

In Reply To:

so why did WTC take away the supply?

.....................................................................................

Hey dickhead,nobody down here is saying that we are the center of the universe,we leave that up to the Americans to believe that.I'd try to explain to you what we are saying and the impact it has has down here but you obviously won't understand.

I know Kona is over-rated and have no plans to do that race or any other WTC run event in the future.I've done a few independant Iron races and will do two more this year as well as a few Ultras which are way more fun than any Ironman.

And yes we have our fair share of whiners here in Oz,which is just part of our English heritage but at least we have the guts to have a whine with our names put out there for all to see instead of keeping our indentiy a secret just like you.

Fucking pansy!

.

Ultra-tri-guy

Jun 1, 10 15:19

Post #39 of 68 (1148 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [FastandFun] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Okay,you didn't read the whole thread so I'll explain one of the impacts that cutting the numbers has.

Ironman Australia is not just a Kona qualifier for Australians,it also serves as the National Ironman Championships,the New South Wales State Ironman Championnships and the State Club Championships.By cutting down the number of slots by 500 like they have they have limited the amount of people who can participate in Ironman and represent their clubs.That is a big thing here in Oz and something you and obviously WTC does not understand and does not care about.

Personally I haven't wanted to do Ironman Australia since it moved from Forster and now maybe the Challenge group will come to Oz and host an Iron-dist race and we can shift all the local title races to that event.I won't hold my breath as the M-dot has people here brainwashed as well.

P.S. I burnt my breakfast responding to this thread,I hope you are happy!!

How is that for whining?

.

Khai

Jun 1, 10 15:27

Post #40 of 68 (1134 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I have no interest in racing an IM but I'd seriously consider it if they replaced the aid stations with hawker stands.

I'd put up a 10hr bike split and finish so bloated I'd barely be able to waddle the "run"! :D

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

FastandFun

Jun 1, 10 15:32

Post #41 of 68 (1129 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

maybe the Challenge group will come to Oz and host an Iron-dist race and we can shift all the local title races to that event.I won't hold my breath as the M-dot has people here brainwashed as well.

Ultra-tri-guy

Jun 1, 10 15:38

Post #42 of 68 (1125 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Khai] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

Hey Khai,not long to go until your trip.

Back to the eating all day on a ride.In '93 I used to go for a long ride every weekend with some old guys in Penticton who were "training" for Ironman.They would ride the 40k to Oliver and go to the Glassebo Restaurant for a full cooked breakfast before heading to Husky in Osoyoos for supplies to get up Richter and then once we got to Keremeous they would stop again for pancakes at a roadside restaurant.It was bloody hilarious but I had to stop after three weekends because the ride toook more than eight hours and I was putting on weight.

.

mgalanter

Jun 1, 10 15:51

Post #43 of 68 (1114 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Khai] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

I agree completly. I lived in Penang for 4 years (I'm a Canadian MatSalleh) and I would stop my bike every 5km for some Char Koey Tiaw or Hokkien Mee or Penang Laksa or Hainan Chicken Rice.... ok, I gotta stop, I'm getting hungry.

Ultra-tri-guy

Jun 1, 10 15:56

Post #44 of 68 (1108 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [FastandFun] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

maybe the Challenge group will come to Oz and host an Iron-dist race and we can shift all the local title races to that event.I won't hold my breath as the M-dot has people here brainwashed as well.

"I don't think the WTC is to blame for the situation though." - FastandFun (this thread)

Exactly. I've never seen a more vibrant tri club scene than in Australia.
I can't understand then why you'd put your national/club championship in the hands of the WTC.
But the brand whores NEED their M-DOT. *sigh*

I heard about an iron distance race in Ballarat years ago... but the promoter was a scoundrel and it only lasted a year?

.....................................................

There have been a few Iron dist events in Oz over the years but none have survived because of the M-dot hype.

The Ballarat one like you mentioned.

The Triple M Iron dist in Sydney which was held once in the '80s won by Marc Dragon and Stefan Kholm in '92(I did it,bloody hard)

Ironman dist in Collie West Oz put on by the local club.

One in Cairns in the '80s put on by the Cairns Crocs,won by John Covachevich

Torquay in Victoria was the host town of a cool Ironman distance race for a few years in the early 90s and was won every time(I think) by Aussie adventure racer Rob Tullett.

.

(This post was edited by Ultra-tri-guy on Jun 2, 10 0:21)

Alvin Tostig

Jun 1, 10 21:43

Post #45 of 68 (1041 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

And now, IM Japan 2010.

http://triathlon.competitor.com/...-japan-canceled_9840
"Just two weeks before it is supposed to take place, Ironman Japan has been canceled. The announcement follows the news that Foot and Mouth disease has spread throughout the state of Miyazaki, and threatens the island where the race takes place, Goto." and "No decision has yet been made with regards to reimbursements of entry fees and travel costs."

I'm guessing that anyone who has money involved will be out of luck when it comes to getting a refund.

Some say "I can". Others say "I can't". Both manage to be correct.

Khai

Jun 2, 10 0:23

Post #46 of 68 (1017 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

Hey Khai,not long to go until your trip.

Less that 3 weeks, actually...

I missed my weather window this evening due to an unplanned nap. It's going to be an interesting first week or two... :p

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

Khai

Jun 2, 10 0:24

Post #47 of 68 (1016 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [mgalanter] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

That night race they held in Singapore looked pretty cool, too. It was an Oly, I think - leaving plenty of time afterward to hit up the hawker stands! :)

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

canuck8

Jun 2, 10 1:05

Post #48 of 68 (1003 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [mgalanter] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

Geez dude........agreed they taste good but the amoun of MSG , lard and saturated fat in those dishes is enough to give you a heart stopper 5 beats south of LT !

Chicken rice can be made healthy , believe it or not. My wife is Hokkien and makes it for me once a month. I eat an entire chicken in two seatings instead f the infamous , childrens portions of protein served in South East Asia.
As far as Char Kway Teow , Laksa and Hokkien Mee , I found the first two to be massively oily and intolerable , but Hokkien Mee is true chinese noodles at it's best......occasionally :)

You must have raced some of Mr.Chan's events then ? We must have raced together.

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

canuck8

Jun 2, 10 1:10

Post #49 of 68 (999 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [Khai] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In Reply To:

Trust me mate, in that heat the last thing you want is something hot and spicy if you are racing "on the line". Proper hydration , ice packs and shade are the only requirements.
I 've alays been amazed by my mateswho have a beer 45-60 mins post race. I normally crawl out of the med tent , back to the hotel for a cold bath and recovery beverage and battle to even put gourmet pizza in my mouth :)

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

Ultra-tri-guy

Jun 2, 10 1:21

Post #50 of 68 (991 views)

Re: Is it goodbye to Ironman Malaysia? [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In March, after a particularly difficult and stupidly hot 4hr training ride around the hills of southern Phuket,my mate Lloyd and I stopped in a street bar in Patong owned by a mate of his.It was so hot that the first three or so beer Leos(drunk with ice of course)didn't even register.After 12-15 beers we got on our bikes again and rode 8ks,in the dark,over the'painfully steep mountain road over to Khatu where we were staying.I don't remember doing the ride.It was definately one of the stupidest thing I've done recently.

The Wongstar was part of the other stupid drunk thing I did on a bike during my Asian trip...Silly post awards drinking games!!!!!!

.

(This post was edited by Ultra-tri-guy on Jun 2, 10 1:23)

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