I just received an email from a RD asking for post-race feedback. In the letter, he mentioned the “rumor of more stringent swim rules” for future years’ races, which might increase the time between start waves.
I got the impression that the “rules” might be coming down from above, i.e. USAT. My guess is that it might have to do with recent drownings at races. More time between waves might allow for better spotting of struggling swimmers, I suppose.
I’m amazed the IM races still get away with a mass start. I know it’s tradition but if you think about the choppy water at cda and 2000 people in the water at once, what are the odds of a life guard spotting trouble in the first minute or two of that start?
Extra time and effort = bigger barrier to entry = less one-day and yearly licenses = less money = not gonna happen.
Also, it’s not a very good idea. We need to stop with all the hand wringing and hand holding. Triathlons have inherent dangers that are printed right on the waiver. Treat adults like adults and let them sign up and accept the risk. An adult can make the call whether they’re up to the task, be it a 1/4 mile sprint swim or a 2200 strong mass start IM - there’s no reason to “rule” everything to death.
Extra time and effort = bigger barrier to entry = less one-day and yearly licenses = less money = not gonna happen.
Also, it’s not a very good idea. We need to stop with all the hand wringing and hand holding. Triathlons have inherent dangers that are printed right on the waiver. Treat adults like adults and let them sign up and accept the risk. An adult can make the call whether they’re up to the task, be it a 1/4 mile sprint swim or a 2200 strong mass start IM - there’s no reason to “rule” everything to death.
AMEN.
I agree, I’m a big believer in the indiviula right to be stupid. I don’t think you should be forced to wear a bike helmet. I wear one, as that’s the comfort level I prefer, but if I didn’t want one, I shouldn’t have to wear one.
I think the “Coolness” fact or has something to do with but is only a minor component.
Mass starts add the the challenge, but most of all you know that everyone on the course started the same time you did. Makes for a very different experience, at least for me.
Yes reverse TT style start. That way pros could start later and I could sleep in. THis first wave stuff is killing my sleep.
Besides helping my sleep, the idea its silly as pros would run people over in the swim and off the road in on the bike. It only takes one pro going 24 mph smashing into someone on a mountain bike going 12 mph before that idea starts making mass swim starts seem like a good idea.
On a big beach like IMFL can’t people seed themselves and avoid getting hurt? I dont’ know, I never lined up MOP of BOP so I don’t know so I am just asking.
“On a big beach like IMFL can’t people seed themselves and avoid getting hurt? I dont’ know, I never lined up MOP of BOP so I don’t know so I am just asking.”
Based on at least 20 years of racing the answer appears to be no. A lot of runs actually post pace signs at the start so people can get it right. Either people think they are a lot faster than they really are or they can’t read - perhaps both.
I think they ought to just go ahead and cancel the swim because it is dangerous, and probably go ahead and cancel the bike because it’s not fair, and dangerous, due to all the drafting, and the run is usually pretty darn dangerous as well because it is in the heat of the day.
But if they did this, how would they determine the winner? And how would you train for a race like that!?
I agree. Why do we need lifeguards if we have to sign a waiver? I would also get rid of aid stations–participants can eat each other. The weak should know not to sign up.
I’m not sure how dangerous the mass start really is, but if something as simple as a wave start would save lives, it’s hard to argue against.
c’mon dude, no one is saying that. The risk of serious injury is FAR greater on the bike than the swim. Should we do the entire bike leg on a stationary trainer??
He’s right, there is legit risk inherent in the sport. I have found however that the faster I swim, the less congested and less dangerous. In IM, the mass swim is part of our sport, just like the peloton is part of cycling. It’s dangerous, but its a part of the sport and I actually love it and hope it stays.