To my knowledge WTC has a 5 yr contract with Clearwater, so expect worlds there again. The best solution for the drafting is a revised bike course, actually only placing the USAT sanctioned recommended 150 athletes per wave vs 400+, and giving more time in btw waves. In many instances there was no way for athletes to avoid being caught in the packs, usat officials could not get through, nor write up 50 riders at a time. WTC produces some awesome events and has brought our sport onto the radar screen. They are already being proactive to make improvements for '07. Hopefully these forums can be about possibilities.
House 1
i don’t think anyone is served by not having a 70.3 in clearwater. i think the only remaining question is whether it’s the best venue for a WC. i think IM probably knows that it must address the question. it might move the WC designation and keep the race in clearwater, or it might keep the WC designation where it is. either way, i would be surprised if WTC did not publically acknowledge the fitness of the bike venue, and if they keep the WC where it is what they intend to do so as not to suffer a repeat of this past year’s issues.
me, i’m very skeptical of how you put on a WC that fairly tests one’s cycling ability absent significant elevation gains. but as stated, it’s above my pay grade and i’ll be all ears when WTC takes the next step on this issue.
a WC that fairly tests one’s cycling ability absent significant elevation gains.
In my simple mind, this is the heart of the issue.
sooo, my intel tells me that the new bike course for next year was already in the works before this years race even started…
just a rumor
I keep saying this: I think St Croix would be perfect. Tough as hell course, between Europe and NA.
You are correct. They have admitted problems with the bike course and are planning changes for next year. The swim and run were excellent courses though, for what it’s worth. It is TRIathlon afterall.