I was just taking a look at their athlete program guide for Cedar Point and was blown away by the information and how it was put together. It is outstanding. And it got me thinking. How are these guys doing allt he stuff they are doing? They have 2 HUGE custom painted transport trucks for their stuff, they offer a tonne of stuff to the athletes, BIG prize purses for the pros and they aren’t really charging that much to race. So how are they able to afford this and still stay in business?
They’re doing it (with investment help) at a financial loss at least to start. I’m hopeful that their series is able to get enough participation so that they can get in the black without having to go through too many cost cutting measures.
They’re doing it (with investment help) at a financial loss at least to start. I’m hopeful that their series is able to get enough participation so that they can get in the black without having to go through too many cost cutting measures.
I figured there had to be someone with deep pockets behind the scenes somewhere. I am hopeful as well.
Sort of gives an idea on how much the WTC gouges the athlete. It is not really a question of how much Rev 3 gives, but how little the WTC does… but it should also be evident given that Rev 3 was started to try and create a race experience that treated the athlete and family well, and Providence Equity (WTC) prime interest is profits.
Sort of gives an idea on how much the WTC gouges the athlete. It is not really a question of how much Rev 3 gives, but how little the WTC does… but it should also be evident given that Rev 3 was started to try and create a race experience that treated the athlete and family well, and Providence Equity (WTC) prime interest is profits.
I’m trying not to look at it from that perspective anymore. I understand that the WTC is now owned by a company whose sole purpose is to create a product that is worth a lot more in the future than for what they bought it for. They have to maximize their profits. So anything they can do to that end I can understand (to a point).
But seriously, I don’t want to make this a love-fest since I haven’t even done a Rev3 race yet (South Carolina here I come), but from what they send out via Facebook and the interactions I have had with their support staff, I can say I have been blown away.
I think part of what you see is Rev 3 RUNS and STAFFs their own races.
I saw one of the threads related to IMC and people saying that it was not really a WTC event but was licensed. When Miami was a disaster last year, WTC shifted all the blame and said it was not their fault, not their race even though it have the IM 70.3 label and that “next year” there would be changes or more hands on.
When you go to a Rev 3 race, at least for now, you generally see the same people coordinating the volunteers, Charlie is generally running around, Eric is making sure the race is being run properly etc… At some point, they might have to break into teams, but for right now they are more like a roving band of triathlon loving folks on a long tour than a bunch of franchises.
From what I understand, they have handled most of their hiccups pretty well. Last year the Connecticut DOT switched their position and demanded they remove the spray chalk a few days before the race, so through they had marked the course they had to unmark the course, and vandals later stole teh signs they put up, and they did their best to replace it.
Portland was perhaps the biggest hurdle with them having to scramble last minute after one town last minute changed their mind about having the race go through their town, but they still managed to at least get a course set up and run, albeit a lot more flat than their typical hilly courses, and I look at Poconos 70.3 and that race has been in flux for over a year already.
Anyways, enjoy Anderson. Looks like a nice race and I came close to doing it, but just did not feel like traveling.
My breakdown right now is pretty even. WTC makes up most of my 70.3 right now, but by the end of next year it pretty much will be even split WTC / Rev 3 / Others so around 33/33/33. If I had to rank them WTC would be at the bottom.
I think WTC puts on decent events, and perhaps larger events, but that is not always a positive.
I also think that many people discount how young Rev 3 is, and the fact that they are already at this calibre, that is pretty impressive.
I also think there is room in the sport for many many companies, from the local races to several National/International organizations, and while I am not crazy about the logistics of the HITS series, I hope they succeed and maybe carve out a niche as more of a “concierge” race.
As a whole I want safe races, plenty of options, and would also like to see more pros make a better living and have better recognition. I would love that there comes a day when I say I do triathlons and some one says “What distance?” instead of “oh… You mean that one in Hawaii?”
Sort of gives an idea on how much the WTC gouges the athlete. It is not really a question of how much Rev 3 gives, but how little the WTC does… but it should also be evident given that Rev 3 was started to try and create a race experience that treated the athlete and family well, and Providence Equity (WTC) prime interest is profits.
Surprised it took 13 minutes for this to turn into a WTC bashing thread. ST is slipping.
So not operating at a loss is gouging? I’ve done a bunch of WTC races and always feel like I’m getting my money’s worth.
I’m not sure but I did Muncie last year and this year when IM took over and I would say the quality was the same. Except IM changed the finish this year and you had to run down a gravel pit to the finish…
I did Rev3 Quassy this year and signed up for 2012 as soon as reg opened. I think that the excellent venue selection, great athlete and family accommodation, the super-stacked pro field AND the upstart spirit make the race attractive. Next year I’m going to try and volunteer at the Olympic the day before as well.
I hope Rev3 succeeds, as they are setting the standard for overall race experience.
I think competition in the market place is a good thing for all of us. People seem to be very high on Rev 3 which is great. I hope they continue to grow. My concern is, have they ever put on a large race? Any Rev 3 races ever had 1000 people?
I plan on doing my one and only full distance event next year and have just assumed it would be IM brand…may have to look into this brand after reading this thread
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