Really??? Other than Syria, who cares what country they are based in? The point is, both companies are doing business all over the world and both are bringing athletes together from all around the world. I'm more interested in things like destination, course, volunteer support, community support etc. If nothing else the competition from Challenge will force the WTC to keep prices down.
Yes, I care. Supporting US companies helps the US economy. Every little bit counts. Like I said, *until* they prove to me they can offer a competitive service, I'm sticking with WTC.
Prices… Sigh… People's perspective on this is wrong, imho. If you look at how much the average athlete spends on the sport (e.g., wetsuit, bike, maintenance, components, shoes, nutrition and so much more) and the fact that we take many months, even a year, to train for an IM, then $600 - 700 is just not that much in the big picture. The recurring costs for things like running shoes, for example, amount to a lot than people think.
People want to bitch without good hard evidence and WTC has a target on its back for obvious reasons. I'm a "prove it to me" or "show me the evidence" kind of guy.
Yes, I care. Supporting US companies helps the US economy. Every little bit counts. Like I said, *until* they prove to me they can offer a competitive service, I'm sticking with WTC.
Prices… Sigh… People's perspective on this is wrong, imho. If you look at how much the average athlete spends on the sport (e.g., wetsuit, bike, maintenance, components, shoes, nutrition and so much more) and the fact that we take many months, even a year, to train for an IM, then $600 - 700 is just not that much in the big picture. The recurring costs for things like running shoes, for example, amount to a lot than people think.
People want to bitch without good hard evidence and WTC has a target on its back for obvious reasons. I'm a "prove it to me" or "show me the evidence" kind of guy.