Following for one of my guys

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Dynamic Athlete ProgrammingVIP Endurance Racing | Like us on Facebook Get Your Training Plan Here

Anyone heard anything?

Team Zoot is going to make an open application announcement but the logistical reality is that each regional Team Captain is usually responsible for building out their squads and space is limited and attrition is low. We also get inquiries in our National Team FaceBook page that we forward to the appropriate region for consideration.

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

I've done it in past years. I'm not this year because I'm not intending to race next year.

Bryan covered Zoot.
Wattie Ink applications closed already.
I believe TRS application has also closed.
Powerbar Team Elite emailed all of us to say that they are re-structuring their program, and, in my words, there won't be a team for most or all of 2016.
There are obviously a ton more, but that's what I know from immediate communication.

A lot of the nutrition sponsorships run on multi-year deals, so you'd have to see if any have openings this winter.

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@adamwfurlong

I put together a list a few weeks ago on my blog of the types of teams out there (performance oriented, apparel brands, products, social groups) with some deadlines and links to applications. Some of the team apps have already closed, but some are open or have not yet announced what their structure will be for 2016.

My list is geared more towards the average age grouper who wants the benefits of a team (discounts, group dynamic), but as a pro, I would think you are in a slightly different boat?

https://jendoestri.wordpress.com/...application-process/

Although we have some very fast AG'ers in Team Zoot, it's not as performance driven as EMJ or Timex. It was when we were the Zoot Ultra Team but we increased the size of the Team from 35 to 150+ nationwide in order to have more impact.

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

When I looked for their current team info, I only found this page, with only 20-some athletes.

http://zootsports.com/...-ultra-team-amateurs

Is there another page with more info about the current team?

very nice.
Ive seen aquaphor ambassadors and Snapple teams as well.
ALOT of AG'ers do Tream in Training (and the like) too.
Best of luck

(following)

Yes, that the old Ultra Team. Here is the Team Zoot national FaceBook page where you can message us regarding the Team and we can put you in touch with the appropriate Team regional captain.
https://m.facebook.com/...amp;source=typeahead

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Thanks, I'll update the link.

Hammer Nutrition's sponsorship application window is open through the end of Nov.

https://hammernutrition.submittable.com/...e8-a660-9c16571f7062


edited for date correction

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The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

It seems that there are more and more "elite teams," but less teams that are small and truly elite with good perks. The trend is towards companies/teams, like Zoot, Big Sexy etc, transitioning to recruiting a larger number of athletes who are willing to pay for their own kits and get to be on an "elite team," and in exchange race exclusively in their team gear and send out a certain number of social media blurbs per week.

Frankly I prefer the old days when the teams were more of an honor, and race results were sufficient...but maybe I'm just becoming a curmudgeon...

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Coach at KonaCoach Multisport

Having been on both versions, the elite model doesn't move the needle enough for the cost. It was great to have someone on the podium wearing Zoot but if they made no effort to build brand awareness beyond that and drive sales, it was pointless. And we had some people who just took the free stuff like they felt entitled. If given the choice of a MOP who is well known and respected in their local market and have an activate roll in their tri community and social media and one Kona Qualifier who isn't going to be engaging, I'll take the MOP'er all day and twice on Sunday.

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Completely understand this from Zoot or any other company point of view. However, from the viewpoint of an elite athlete, it just isn't as attractive to be part of a team where you are paying for gear, to advertise for a company where you might not even like all their products, such as shoes, etc. Ha, but if such teams can get athletes on board, more power to 'em

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Coach at KonaCoach Multisport

TIMEX is really the only true national AG Elite Team that really provides a high level of sponsorship. We used to both be managed by Ton Schueller and his sports marketing company. I think he still does manage TIMEX. Zoot still provides that level of support for our Team Captains as they do all the local heavy lifting, but there are 8 of us instead of 30+. And all the Team Captains were previous Ultra team members and at the pointy end.

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

TriSports is still open.

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Instagram | Team Kiwami North America

Bump.
Any others?

EMJ is, by all definitions, a AG Elite team. Perhaps the TIMEX perks are better, I don't know. But from what I've gathered, EMJ doesn't even really take applications, rather, they seek you out.

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@adamwfurlong

Hmmm, they must have lost me email somehow then... :)

We are accepting apps through Nov 20th for VALHALLA Racing Team. More info here under Team Sign Up tab: http://valhallasportsgroup.com/

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Lars Finanger
Odyssey SwimRun

Here's one...you've got a couple days: http://maverickmultisport.com/age-group-application/

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Steve Johnson
DARK HORSE TRIATHLON |

Thank you for the heads up on this.

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New Training/Racing Log - http://www.earthdaykid.com/blog --- Old Training/Racing Log - http://colinlaughery.blogspot.com

Team Zoot applications now live at:

https://www.facebook.com/.../10153698976359197:0

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

I'll pass. I have no interest in paying someone $250 for the privilege of promoting their sponsors.