So this is one of those things you "apply" for and then you buy the gear to wear, and there is no compensation for this advertising?

I , too, would like to know the incentive here. From the brief description, I have to fill in some information to enter a “contest” to be picked for team zoot and then I win the right to BUY zoot equipment?! Sounds like a great idea....

Do you accept fat and slow people?

I'm sure they will accept anyone willing to buy their stuff. I was just "chosen out of hundreds of applicants" for another team like this. They said a discount code would be emailed to me in a few weeks so I can purchase my teem kit.

Its a great way of marketing. It lets people feel like they are a part of something.

Depends on the discounts though....I mean if you have to buy new stuff due to your old stuff being well, old...and they give you some steep discounts...then I don't see any reason why not? Unless you are a pro - you wont get on a team with free stuff - least not in tri sports.

If I needed some new Nikes and Nike was like hey we will give you 65% off every pair you buy if you only wear Nikes...I would be like sign me up.

I applied just for fun... See if I'll get chosen.

exactly. Its marketing. But I am currently in the market for a new tri suit. So Ill be applying. Someone is getting my $ this coming season for a tri suit. A discount would be nice.

Hopefully they have better looking gear than those digi-polka dotted abortions from last year.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Mike, yes you definitely need to "apply" to be considered. We only accept so many candidates as there are limited slots per region. The number of new team members we take on typically depends on those not returning from the previous year, usually only a handful.

The "compensation", if you choose to look at it like that, are discounts from Zoot and our other sponsors. You can see the 2017 sponsors in my signature below, past sponsors have also included Scott, Ridley, Bonk Breaker, SRAM/Zipp, Gu, etc. 2018 sponsors have not been announced, but will look similar to 2017.

It's honestly not about the "compensation", it's about the camaraderie of being with a group of like-minded individuals, training and racing together, and representing Zoot, the endurance sport lifestyle, and our sponsors.

Any questions, feel free to PM me.

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

We do have some minimum expectations, but those having nothing to do with being fat or slow!

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

GMAN-I always enjoy your posts and comments and this one seems to fit your MO! We design our kits to stand out, so by your statement, we definitely accomplished the goal... "There's no such thing as bad publicity" -- P.T. Barnum

Look for us at Oceanside 70.3, would love to meet you in person.

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

Is this restricted to North America or is it an international programme?

US only right now. We do have a European team but their selection process is seperate. PM me.

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

Is it normal to not have sponsors lined up ahead of applications? Otherwise, how do people know what they are applying for? If you expect your applicants to have their race schedules for 2018 already dialed in, then it seems like you should have sponsors lined up as well.

ETA - This is not unique to Zoot, but something I have noticed with a lot of these AG teams. Sure they all provide online camaraderie and a discounted tri suit for the year, however the real potential benefit is group discounts on other gear. How can an applicant make an educated decision about which team to pursue if they don't know who the sponsors will be until after they apply and pay their $200-400? If the big ticket discount for the team ends up being on Enve wheels and I don't need new wheels, then the potential benefit of being on that team is significantly eroded.

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"It's good enough for who it's for" - Grandpa Wayne

And stand out they did. I’m all for ostentatiousness (have you seen my bike) but those kits, especially the men’s kits, were just atrocious... yet memorable. So much success in that PT Barnum viewpoint. 😁

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Thanks GMAN, I guarantee we will not have the same kits next year, but, as always, they will stand out! I take this as an invitation to ogle and fondle your ride at Oceanside.... I will look for you!

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

Blue and Orange Dimond. Nobody else has that paint job.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

This is why I mentioned that joining the team is not about the "compensation"... The perks and "potential benefits" of being on the team is the camaraderie, not the discounts, etc. from the sponsor. The team and title sponsor for the team is Zoot, this is what you're applying for. We don't require an athlete to have all of their season planned, this question gives us an idea what scale of racing an applicant prefers (local vs travel, short vs long, etc.). None of those criteria are looked upon negatively, just gives us an idea what that athlete does or likes to do.

We do have online communications but the team is split into regions so that those athletes can train, race, and play together. The social aspect is just as important as the training and racing, hence the "lifestyle" mentioned previously.

As far as the sponsors for 2018, I can say that we have had a good relationship with the sponsors we had in 2017 and I expect those relationships to continue. Ceepo, Garmin, and Smith Optics has been with us for at least 4 years. boom! and Speedfil have been with us for the past 3. Zealios, SCYS and L3Endurance have been sponsoring the team the last two seasons This should give you an idea of the long term relationships we harbor and strive for.

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

It's it's really about camaraderie and not just to advertise for Zoot, why don't you share with us the locations of your team members? Do you organize team-based training events (camps), weekly meet-ups, runs, rides, etc.....? There's like no information being given here to make this even worth considering IMO.

I agree that someone should look at what they are getting for signing up to pay for a discount (?)....I would want to understand if what was being offered, is exactly what I would have purchased myself.

However, ambassador deals like this do not need to provide the specifics because there are a bunch of people who could care less what the products are...and will happily shill them....and say they are "sponsored".

This is not exactly true. I can't speak toward the Zoot team, as I'm not a part and am not really interested in "applying". I have other products that I really really like that I want to wear. (that's not a knock on Zoot, I just have a preference for some other stuff). Some people (myself included) do like the discounts for a certain brand (since I am going to buy anyway) and also don't mind telling people about their gear because it's really cool stuff. It doesn't have anything to do with being "sponsored".

Agree, and I should not have written it as if I was referring to everybody. However, there are plenty of people who use this as an opportunity to pretend (vocally) they are "sponsored". Walk up to someone at an expo wearing logos and ask them their affiliation with brand X. Half will tell you they are sponsored by them. They aren't.

Ok, I get what you're saying. Brooks had that silly promotion last year that you could actually sign a real "sponsorship agreement" with them. It was advertised simply as that..., "say you're a sponsored athlete!". That was silly to me.

a midweek bump.
Looking forward to Team Zoot in 2018 =)

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website/blog | Instagram

It is about the camaraderie AND about promoting Zoot (and our sponsors!)... we also consider people that may already enjoy Zoot products and want to share that love!

We have team members in all but a few states and the regional teams are broken down as: Southern California, Northwest, Mountain, Arizona, Texas, Southeast, Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, Great Plains, Northeast, and Great Lakes. Based on where team members are located, we do have all of those things you mention. As we are a relatively small team, compared to some others, in the areas where we are spread out, the get-togethers (whether social or training) may be less often. We encourage team members to stay active in their local communities and local tri teams. Some of our team members also harbor their own individual sponsorships (upon approval, of course) with local companies/businesses that do not conflict with Zoot or our sponsors.

Glad I posted this on ST to answer those questions, keep 'em coming!

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

We are still finalizing Team partners but anticipate most of the previous years sponsors to return. Our initial buy in is about $150 and you get your team kit, run shirt and shorts, and some other items as part of that. So there’s no “fee” to be in the team that doesn’t provide a benefit.

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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 threw my hat in the ring!

Love the compression tights and have had good experience in the triathlon kits I have purchased. The only feedback I recommend is an email to those who registered. At minimum, this would inform the applicant that their registration was received.

- Jason

The first round of application were just sent out buy Zoot to the regional Team Captains. I have good news for you, Jason, I'm the Southwest Captain and I see your application. :) Keep in mind, Zoot is a small, privately owned company, we wanted to get these applications out to the Captains for review as quick as possible. Every regional Captain is responsible for selecting their members and then acceptance letters we be sent from corporate.

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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

Interesting! I was not aware that Zoot was a small privately owned company. Kudos to making such a large impact on the sport!

-Jason

I went ahead and submitted something, too.

I sent one in as well Bryan...thanks for posting.

Steve

I love Zoot products! Why wouldn’t i want to promote a company i already enjoy?! Yup. That’s it. I’m going for it!! Already planning to wear the Ali’i collection next year. :D Boom.

Bump, only 3 days left to apply!

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

Think notifications were sent out today about the 2018 team. Canyon is the bike sponsor - interested to see what the team discount will be. Don’t really need a new bike, but might be tempted to jump on the Canyon wagon if the price is right.

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Blog: http://262toboylstonstreet.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/NateThomasTri
Coaching: https://bybtricoaching.com/ - accepting athletes for 2023

I got an email saying I wasn't accepted and then a follow up email a few minutes later saying disregard the last email, but no acceptance yet. Pretty curious what's happening there. This is my first team application so I have no idea what the process or perks are but I figured I'd go ahead and apply anyways.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

Were all notifications sent out? I didn't hear anything one way or another.

Non-Zoot question - I have seen Boom gels but never used one. I use Power Gels, which work pretty well and are a lot better than the Clif gels for me, but I don't have a lot of experience with Boom gels. Any thoughts on using Boom gels?

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2018 Races: IM Santa Rosa, Vineman Monte Rio, Lake Tahoe 70.3

Same here! No word yet on what that means though...

I have used Boom Gels for years. Only gels I have even used. They work great for me.

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Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep

I haven’t heard one way or the other yet either.

Notifications are going out from each regional captain. All she be out in the next couple days.

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

I see what you did there. No one else seems to have caught it, so good job.

Thanks Zoot, selected.
I will do my best to represent the brand.

Best tasting - Best performing energy gel! We have sample paks on our website http://www.boomnutrition.com. Use code "BESTTASTING" for a 15% discount on your first order. We love our multiyear relationship with Team Zoot as well!

Any updates on the 2018 kits?

Haven't been officially announced, but some teasers are out there... are you on the team?

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Zoot Team Captain Southeast
2019 Sponsors: Canyon Bikes, Garmin, Smith Optics, Zealios Skin Care & Sun Protection, Speedfill Products, Gatorade Endurance, Ottolock, Theragun, ORR Carbon Wheel Systems, boco gear, Giddy Up Multisports

Here's what the guys suit looks like. The suit for the women is a bit more colorful with purple, pink & blue along with black. I was impartial to the 2017 style, but I think I like this one.

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Blog: http://262toboylstonstreet.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/NateThomasTri
Coaching: https://bybtricoaching.com/ - accepting athletes for 2023