flynnzu wrote:
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.
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.
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