g_lev wrote:
Actually I don't think this is a terrible idea at all. Let's pull on this thread a little. A few thoughts on this proposal:
How many people showed up to the race on Sunday looking for a slot to worlds? I certainly did. But is that a large percentage? How many of those wouldn't show up if it wasn't "their turn" to get slots that year? If Worlds is in a popular location like it is for 2019, I personally wouldn't have raced there and would have chosen a different 70.3 (excepting the fact that this race is in my backyard, so maybe I would have anyway). But if Worlds is in a less popular, or less accessible location (like SA, or 2020 when it's likely to be New Zealand), I probably would have still come to race simply because it is the local 70.3.
Actually on that note there might be some level of fairness that we lose when sometimes Worlds in in a popular location alternating with less popular locations and possibly never offering slots to the popular location for one gender or another just by pure bad luck.
Edit: That said, I am not sure it would solve the problem you are trying to solve. I am guessing the percentage of people that would sit this one out if it wasn't "their turn" is small enough to not make a huge difference. If I am remembering right, the top two or three overall didn't take slots. So clearly they showed up just to race.
True, the top few didn't take slots. Maybe already had them from another race? Who races more desperately, the person who already has or doesn't want a slot, or the person killing themselves for years to attain some goal? Which is more likely to take chances during the bike segment on a crowded course?
I get that only a few people have a legitimate shot at going to worlds - you have to place very well. But I bet a bunch of people show up wondering, if they lay it all down, are they just as good or better than the next guy. (I believe it's known that guys tend to think they are equally capable as those around them, regardless of their experience.) So maybe 20-40 people, depending on the AG in question, may think they have a legitimate shot? Even 10 people per AG would be >100 people. Next take the incentive to cheat. Those guys are drafting, let me hop on to stay competitive (TX, anyone?). Basically I wonder if the slots contribute to egging people on, creating a more a hostile group of cyclists. Take the slots of one gender away, potentially reduce the incentive to be aggressive.
It was mainly a thought experiment. I agree, it may not solve the basic issue of this course being too narrow for the traffic.
ETA: I see your point about apparent fairness, with regard to a moving location for Worlds and is it desirable or not. It's a good one that I hadn't considered.
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