Waingro wrote:
Within a month, most people will be back to work and be vaccinated. Unless the people of LP want to kill off this event for other reasons, it should take place.
Don't think it's that simple. Unfortunately, from the looks of things, US may only get to 50-60% of adult population vaccinated... because huge % of people showing they won't get a shot. That's just going to push back things.
I hope people get to race at LP. But it seems pretty tough (I'm not local, don't have inside information, this just speculation):
- We will not have magical "great news, this this is over" in next 30, 60, 90 days. If someone (local politician) who wants to read/find data/opinion pieces to show holding a race will be potentially devastating to a local venue, they will be able to do so.
- Tourist spots are heaving. They have been heaving. Again, not local, but read the news regarding Lake Placid. They were fully booked last summer. They've had huge numbers of tourists this spring. The town, residents, property owners aren't going to lose money by not holding IM this year. What's worse, and I've seen this in a couple tourist spots where we own property - locals are resentful for last 12 months...because they believe people have run over their towns to "get away from COVID" and as result... have brought there.
- This is just my speculation...but if you think about psychology of local government officials... if the town is heaving, what incentive do they have to hold large events? The only people who really benefit are the out-of-towners who come in and race... and then leave. Just adding to the headaches of people in the town right now. Worse, IF there is a demonstrable spike in infections... then they have to eat sh*t about it. Why risk that? Finally, in locations like LP, they know IM will be back.
The opposite of this is a race like Tulsa. OF COURSE, they will hold this race. As red a state as can be. A city that needs people to come to it. An event that is launching that needs to do whatever it can to launch.
In my opinion - this is where 2021 is going to be frustratingly asymmetrical. Some people will race. And some won't. And it won't seem fair.
Hope I'm wrong about LP as I believe racing can be responsibly held.