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