So I figured I should read the silly thing. 11 of 27 pages were ADS! Are you kidding me?! Everything is sponsored, the village, the fun run, the dinner, and even a freaking hill! “You are now entering the Ace Hardware Mile 4 aid station.” “Be sure to stop by the Charmin Port-a-pottie before heading out on the run.” “Today’s light is provided by the SUN!” The commercial nature of it all just appears to be getting a little out of hand.
Second, is it just me or does the letter from the Head Ref seem to be centered mostly around drafting and how they are going to be bitches about it etc, etc. Dude! There 2600 people in your race over a two loop course! That’s not very much room!
The more I think about it the more I am getting pissed about Sunday. Maybe it’s the forecast. I should just go to bed.
Welcome to Ironman…they are experts in taking your money. Ironically, I lost my checking/Visa card over the weekend, so I’ll be carrying cash. It’s easier to hold back when I see those green backs leave my money clip.
If you think the rules write-up was bad…wait until the athlete meeting! Then again, this is my 1st GTG (?) Ironman, so I’ll probably stick around to listen for a few minutes…
As for the weather, just roll with the punches. I was there a few years ago during the chaos and will be expecting the worst this time around…but I’m a bit smarter now, I mean older. ;o)
Same to you. If the forecast holds up, I’m pretty much throwing all time goals out the window and just going to have a fun day of it. I blow up in the heat. Colin (CCF) on the other hand…that guy is just smokin’ in the heat…well…and he talks to his Gu too.
I am always suprised when triathletes are shocked by this type of sponsorship. If you go to any big league professional sports event, it the same there. Just about everything a NFL, Major league baseball, or NHL is “Brought to you . .” by someone. It’s the way sponsorship is sold these days and despite what we think here, triathlon is almost totally off the radar screen with mainstream sponsors and media, so it’s an extremely tough sell. Be thankful for what we do get.
As for the GTG thing, I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and see how things work out. It’s still early in the game. Their rules and the way they enforce them seem to make more sense for their(WTC) events.
I would have gone through 20 MORE pages of ads if they could get the sponsors. Any company who wants to put money into this sport is welcome!
As for the rules, comeon…the writeup might not have been great, but the idea of not having to wait until the results are posted to know if you have time penalties makes a whole lot of sense.
i agree. there are events out there that aren’t so “added out”, if it’s that important to a person.
and i believe it’s papa johns that sponsors the cup holders at the Red’s Stadium. these days, if there is a speck of space, a logo can be slapped on it.
I guess that is what was/is nice about triathlon is that it’s a relatively grass-roots-ish sport. I just get bad images of NASCAR with this innundation of ads at bigger events. It’s a necessary evil I suppose.
As for the drafting penalty, I like this idea. I got dinged with a 4 minute “penalty” last year for riding in a traffic jam but didn’t officially know until results were posted. I am curious to hear how GTG is going to enforce drafting. The coolest part is that you get to put your feet up and take a 4 minute nap before the run! They should have free lap dances in the penalty box as a consolation.
And speaking of penalties…If it’s really going to be 90+ it’s going to be very hard for some to keep their shirts on on the run. That’s cruel and unusual. It’s bad enough that the women want to RIP my shirt off, but to get penalized for attempting to not overheat?! Kind of bass-ackwards to me.
Agree on the rules. However, they do it it seesm to make way more sense to me to sort out the rules on the course during the event. I would hate to have placed in my age-group or got a spot for IMH then found out 24 hours later that I had lost that podium spot or IQ due tio a time penalty for a minor infraction that I had no idea that I had commited.
I hung around the appeals meeting with the USTF officials at IMForida last year, just to eves-drop and see what it was all about. Many had been handed penalties that they had no idea about and had no clue as to where they had taken place on the course.
Go get a message and relax! No need to get worked up before the race, save your energy. Its a great race! The bike course should clear up after 20 miles.
And speaking of penalties…If it’s really going to be 90+ it’s going to be very hard for some to keep their shirts on on the run. That’s cruel and unusual. It’s bad enough that the women want to RIP my shirt off, but to get penalized for attempting to not overheat?! Kind of bass-ackwards to me.
Many studies have shown that there is much less chance of absorbing excess heat with a shirt ON. Wear white, and a hat and you’ll be fine. Just drink electrolyes for the next few days, not a jug of water.
And speaking of penalties…If it’s really going to be 90+ it’s going to be very hard for some to keep their shirts on on the run. That’s cruel and unusual. It’s bad enough that the women want to RIP my shirt off, but to get penalized for attempting to not overheat?! Kind of bass-ackwards to me.
I konw that I will definately want my jersey on, I am usually much more comfortable temp wise with it on, then off. If you run in a Tshirt, that’s a whole different story; buy a good jersey at the expo!
Enjoy.