Has anyone else noticed that there are only 30-35 slots for most of the 70.3 events in 2012. Am I crazy to say that it’s going to be hard to qual for Vegas than KONA next year?
That basically means one slot for all but the most populated AGs…
I had a dream a year or two to focus on a 70.3 Q spot when there were 50 slots to each race. My 40-44 AG was getting 6 or 7 slots. Kind of pipe dream-ish on my part because I got some work to do on the run but now it’s a complete pipe dream when the largest AG only gets 3 or 4 spots.
They have increased the number of races which means less slots per race. Which means if you want to go to Vegas you have to be willing to do multiple WTC 70.3 races which should increase your chances if you are normally top 10-15 or so in your age group or be top 4 in your age group to secure your spot. Or pray during rolldown. 
Yeah…I’m already considering back up races to try and hit if I don’t qualify at my planned ones.
yep, when you start looking at backups to backups for multiple things, it gets expensive quick!
yep, when you start looking at backups to backups for multiple things, it gets expensive quick!
It won’t be long before WTC starts doing what NCAA basketball does. The top 64 teams make it to the Championship Tournament and the next 64 teams make it to the National Invitational Tournament. No doubt they could sell out an additional race.
Last year I got a rolldown slot with an 8th in my AG. Just raced Austin, got 3rd but no slot since there were only 2 in 25-29. Its tough but honestly I think its better. Everyone is going to have to step their game up to get a slot and if you go to Vegas its because you earned it. I lost 2nd with half a mile to go on the run and I know that losing that slot will make me a better racer. I didn’t dig deep, next time I will.
as it should be.
it’s going to be harder to qualify because of the reduced # of slots and more of the top people will want to race because it’s a better course than CW, and with the reduced slots it’s not just another race, it will mean more to say you qualified.
Yes… I don’t disagree with it… I’m just realizing it’s not going to be easy! Also, for many of us, there may be a certain element of luck (or lack) involved…
I don’t think it will involve luck. With a bunch of races and a few slots per race anyone that gets a slot deserves it. No one can play the too far to travel, course didn’t suit me card. Cost is still an issue but really what amateur sport that has a WC doesn’t have a high cost of entry?
Luck equals the following:
How many people in my AG show up… ie will there be one or two slots…
How many people are racing in my AG that really should be racing as pros…
How many people at the pointy end already have punched their card…
That sort of thing…
I agree all of those things will come into play, but I think if you polled the qualifiers at the start line, you’ll find very few outliers either on time or place. My guess is if their are 3 spots per AG you’ll have to pretty regularly place in the top 6 or so. I doubt you’ll see many roll down spots go to 15.
I agree w you. If you’re not in the top handful, it’s a dream, not a goal
Pretty much, but thats what a global championship should be. I kind of wish it was AGers only and have separate Pro only race, that might eliminate some sand bagging and have the focus on the Pros at their race and the AGers at theirs.