These threads are always very interesting to observe. The peanut gallery can really criticize a company that has had phenomenal success under the current leadership. Criticize (not you specifically, but but the ST community at large) all you want, but they deliver a great product that satisfies a growing customer base better than anyone else in the industry, which is why they continue to be so successful from a business point of view.
Now, are there things that I/we/pros/any of us don't like/prefer/would do different? Of course. And, I am no suck up to them and always give them my candid feedback when asked . . . just like other business where I spend my money. In fact, they probably use this more than you would think to continue "sharpening their saw." WTC leadership is very smart and they have been very successful. Personally, I think they deliver a great product. And, they respond to issues and innovate - I certainly would never have thought of a rolling start. I consider myself to be a very loyal customer and literally can't wait until my next opportunity to enjoy their product.
I just returned from Challenge Roth - absolutely incomparable experience . . . off the charts! I loved it! No doubt I'll do it again (for a 7th time). A close friend was asking me to compare that to IM. I said you can't, b/c they are different in culture and execution. A small example - the medals really aren't that good - man, would you hear a stink on ST if it were IM. But, I never heard a word about it. It is culturally different. Kinda like some days I eat fish, and others I eat chicken. I can come up with pros and cons of each but I enjoy both.
However, a big difference is the ability replicate. IM has been able to replicate their model extraordinarily well (despite what we say here). That is not an easy thing to do across 6 continents (I think) and over so many races. IM races are not easy to execute and yet they have seemed to be able to use their template across cultural lines in ways that would make most corporations very envious. That is impressive and unmatched.
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David
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Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.