So far for the first of the new qualifiers in 3 weeks time (of which I’m entering my first half iron race) we have 500 entrants and only about 10 pro’s. Not good for the new WTC flagship. Where did it go wrong and if anyone is coming and fancies a slot or some prizemoney there will be some kicking around…
The regular Ironmans have this compelling carrot at the end…Kona.
Who cares about going to Clearwater next November ? If they were thinking straight, they would have used an existing half Ironman (like St Croix) and made it the WC, offered 500K of prize money, jack up the prestige and the “vacation aspect” and then it would be more compelling.
Agreed. I mean Clearwater is a very nice place for a beach vacation, but it lacks a certain uniqueness (somewat interchangable with the rest of the FL Gulf Coast) that an island race has.
And St. Croix has The Beast, while Clearwater has, um, bridge repeats over the Intracoastal Waterway?
In Michigan 500 early entries within 3 weeks of opening registration for a new race would be considered outstanding. Seriously If they get 1000 people to register per race that would be a lot.
Styrrell
what didn’t help was the delay in naming the date , venue and everything else, saying that I am struggling to find accommodation, case of getting round but the new bike will get its first airing
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Um, how many people signed up the first time they had the Ironman championships? Probably (a lot) less than 500. Just give it time…
um, why would you expect a pro to show up and race a half 5ish weeks before kona? even many second tier pros go to kona as a self congrats for a season of racing.