If I make an assumption from the username that you are in the UK, our fed does for starters. Well, it did when I applied. They set a standard that guaranteed selection - think it was sub 11 hours in an Ironman distance event, and then if they didn't get 20 people who'd done that, it was just a roll down type affair. Now, things might have moved on since then, but that's how it was for me in 2008. My best then was an 11:18 for what its worth.

I think this is the thing with age group racing hey, there is always going to be a question of is it worth it - cost, time of work, family commitments etc. It's a long way to go for the Europeans, and I guess a lot just went nah can't be bothered. Met a bloke at Ironman Roth who had qualified at the Staffordshire 70.3 by coming 36th in his age group (M35-39). He said they literally had people in a room at the awards ceremony and said, right who wants to go. Still don't think they managed to hand out all the places.

I guess the point of the above is even the mighty Ironman brand has trouble filling its races with the best in the world. I should imagine Kona is probably the only race on the circuit that has the best of the best, but I guess with a couple of hundred lottery - or legacy should I say now athletes, that waters things down a bit. I shouldn't think my lottery inspired 16:36 in 2003 has anyone shaking in their boots!

I guess this will always be the case for us amateurs. It's why if you truly want to say hey I'm the champion you need to race pro, and I guess this is the issue most have with the title world championships. Unless ITU can entice the best away from Kona then it becomes a bit of a second tier competition that will attract second tier coverage.