ggeiger wrote:
TheStroBro wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
Exactly. Dumb it down for the lowest common denominator who chooses not to be able to swim well. Funny how in the old days once people got swam over once they did not start so far forward the next race. Instead of letting things sort themselves out, they try and legislate to make it fair and end up making it harder to actually compete against one's peers. While they have expanded to venues not capable of the crowds they now attract, many (including IMWI, IMFL, Kona, IMAZ) could easily still employ a mass start and be as safe as they are now. I was at IMWI and by not having the swimmers able to enter early and get used to the water and find their spot, it was worse from my view.
How much do you know about composite risk management? None, I'm gonna guess. I'll betcha 100% that their insurance company told them they needed to reduce risk and that a rolling start was one of the things on the table that they were required to execute.
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I’m sure you may be right. Too many lawyers in the mix, but the country we live in. Reducing risk does not mean it’s a good idea, just covering one’s ass.
From the rolling starts I’ve observed there seems to be even more panic among the far back of the packers. Again, an issue that was not an issue when people actually prepared for what they committed to.
Having been BOP myself back when there was mass starts as rolling started to take over, I can say absolutely not here.
But look, while I strongly prefer rolling to one big mass start, I will fully support the oft brought up ST idea of starting every race with an optional mass start for those who want to be competitive, then let the masses behind roll in separately. Every time this discussion pops up this solution is brought up eventually, because it's a good one and even as the points above bring in risk/insurance, I would figure it would be easy as forcing those who want to do the optional mass start sign a special release/waiver etc.
Anyway, I would more love to see this happen to prove the point that 10% of the people will actually care about a mass start option and participate. But at least those 10% could be satisfied.
808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo