So you did Kona? windschatten wrote:
rudyvonberg wrote:
I agree, we are talking about "different rules" if you want to label it as rules (because I guess those rules don't really exist for PRO's yet in this case). In any sport, the professionals have it differently. Thousands of spectators, better stadiums, better pools, closed roads for cycling, something that doesn't happen for amateurs in all those sports. The comparison is made in triathlon only because it is one of the very few sports where PRO's and amateurs are on the same course at the same time. So I think that some rules should in fact be different, like it is in other professional sports. And having spectators follow leaders is something that I think should have different rules than for AG ers just because it helps our sport, it makes it more exciting and more accessible. Triathlon is known as an accessible sport in the sense that spectators don't have to pay for an entry ticket/ pass. Anyone can just go spectate a triathlon. Be a fan for free, and you can get very close to the PRO's. So for the good of triathlon, I think that having a "peloton" follow the leaders of the race is a good thing, and should not prohibited.
Let me explain it to you in plain English:
I as an athlete in the same race as you give a flying shit about your Pro- cool experience (or that of your entourage) when it impacts my race the way it actually has on another occasion.
Just for some perspective:
I got taken down at WC in Hawaii by one of those coaches/spectators/pacers going the other way not looking while pacing a Pro in a race. Ran right into me.
Very cool experience.
So I know what I am talking about when I say pacing or following athletes on the course is a safety hazard and rules should be enforced. It is stupid if done by a spectator ignorant of the rules, and a super douche move if you know the rules and choose to ignore them (just because of personal perspective) .
Ever heard about IM Texas where they pulled Officials because too many private Scooters/cycles on the course?
And remember the ensuing carnage because of this? Very cool experience too.
Well, maybe it is time you guys get together and get your own races set up, that we AGs don't have to be part of?
Nah, no chance you could / would want to pull that off.
You barely would have anybody watching you except your coach, a friend and a couple fellow local Pro's who just got nothing better to do.
.
What's your CdA?