why should pro's settle for ironman corp to run it into the ground while messick lines his own pockets?

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You finally figured it out. Because pro's dont have a leg to stand on. The pros are just another category like AG category is for the big bad IM corporation. IM needs them to a degree to keep the wheels greased and that's it. The pros have "no hand" in this discussion. The quicker you realize that, the quicker you'll realize why decisions are made the way they are.

And that may not be what we want, or what we want to hear, but that's the reality.

ETA: So what that means is that you as a pro have to figure why people should care about you. What's your story? What's your connection to people, that's how your going to be successful in this sport. Connect with people and sponsors will support you. That's how your going to make it financially in addition to racing really well. But only so many can race well (as Eric said he had what 4 world champions in his race, 5th is one hell of a good placement), if you can't connect with people, you won't be well supported.

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Brooks Doughtie, M.S.
Exercise Physiology
-USAT Level II