So what are people's thoughts on "the new rich kid on the block"?

Personally, I think it's the best darn thing to happen to Triathlon in a long time.

This sport deserves "better" than in the past. It needs to gain equal footing with other sports.

More people need to be let into the secret of how wonderful a sport Triathlon is. It needs to reach more homes and touch more people and encourage them to do something healthy, fun and rewarding.

Finally, triathletes need to begin to bridge the financial gap between them and most other athletes. I think most people would agree on the great amoun of talent, dedication and skill that is required to be a professional triathlete.

No exact numbers have been disclosed yet, though it seems like the overall winner will take home more than $200,000, with around another $250,000 to be divided amongst the other top 10.

So far pretty much "everyone that is anyone" in the Triathlon world seems to have made this race their top priority for the year.

It might have its faults (the telecast for one was just awful last year), but all-in-all I think its a huge step in the right direction.