From the sound of these reviews, I’m assuming they don’t have to resort to such tactics.
Just did IMAZ with them. I was very happy with them. Highly recommended
When did you reserve with them? I’m thinking about doing the same for 2012 and wondering how far in advance EST will sell out (given that the race sold out so quickly.) Thanks.
EST do a good job. If you want to get into a sold out event it’s a good way to go.
If you are doing a race like Brazil that is not sold out you have to consider the cost of the EST package versus booking it yourself. It depends how much airport transfers, bike mechanic etc are worth to you. Booking the hotel directly will save you a lot of money. Their deal is convenient but more expensive.
I used to work for Ken and Endurance Sports Travel so I’ve had a lot of experience with the inner workings of the company. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask and I’ll do my best to give whatever insight I can provide. Bottom line though, there is no one in the sport that knows more about triathlon or has more respect for it than Ken Glah. The man has seen it all and done it all and his trips are designed around that knowledge. I moved on from EST two years ago but still travel with them whenever I race because they make life easy (and usually make it cheaper than it would be when planning on your own).
Hopefully I can answer most questions you have, but I personally worked on the following trips and thus have a bit more info about them- Hawaii, Brazil, Wisco, Canada, Florida, Lake Placid, Germany (Frankfurt), Austria, and South Africa. I’ve also traveled to Cozumel and Regensberg with them. Ask away!
Initially I wasn’t sure if the added cost of going to IM Cozumel 2011 with EST was worthwhile. Beyond EST’s ability to secure a slot at the sold out race, the following was invaluable:
- EST had easy access to the race organizers and were able to solve a travel/ registration problem before I even arrived at the venue. My race would have been off without their assistance.
- The EST team knew the race course well and had useful advice re. strategy given the expected water currents, weather etc.
- My “race tune” by the EST mechanic was more detailed than many yearly tune-ups I’ve had at other bike shops.
- EST had services organized just when needed (eg. unlimited bags of ice post-race at the hotel for a bath).
- On race day the EST team provided a central, comfortable location for my family to keep busy, rest, and watch, removing the stress of finding each other after the race and going to and from the race venue.
- The EST team went out of their way to coordinate with my family. They didn’t hesitate to shuttle us around the island before or after the race.
- The team was low-key, friendly, considerate and had an outstanding service ethic throughout.
This made for stress-free race preparation. All I had to do was show up. EST mapped out the rest. It was like having a race concierge.
X2 to the above.
Used them for Switzerland and Kona. Over the top supportive for the athlete and the rest of your family. From pickup at the airport to dropping you back off, perfect in nearly every way.
You’ll see their team at other events too and they are always happy to see you after the trip too.
This is great news as I plan to use them for IMAZ!
And would like to do France at some point in the future.
Thanks,
Tom
Very happy with their desire to help and be flexible
.
I’ve used their service for Western Australia and New Zealand. Just wanted to add that Ken is Mr. Energy. Even after IM New Zealand (which he raced), he’s hobbling around post-race, helping people cart their bikes from transition back to their hotels, and continuing with other logistics. Never a word of complaint, and he never leaves anyone hanging.