I’ve been reading the threads concerning Dan report on Clearwater. He also sugests moving it to another venue within the US in order to encompass more hills, which I agree with totally. But why the US???
Why couldn’t a “World” Championship be held outside the US? We have many outstanding events in Europe - and plenty of hills! Surley it would be fairer if a “World” championship was held in different locations around the world.
The “World” has more than 52 states!
because it is not a world championships, it is a marketing/sales event for the corporate development of a private, for profit company and it makes much more sense for them to build their business locally to them
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yeah, that figures.
I thought originally it was going to be held in Germany. In my opinion to even out the more than bias qualification system it really should be elsewhere.
Let’s not forget:
Except for the pros Clearwater was no World Championship! It was an American Event! Look at the numbers! How many foreigners were there? WTC could have filled this event with NA competitors alone and these would rather not have made a trip abroad.
So what it comes down to is that the only place you could sell it out this year was in the US! And can’t imagine for WTC to change that policy. The majority of their “customers” is in the US so they please them. And they have every right to! They want to make profit!
I agree the race should be held elsewhere. While it is convenient for me (4hr drive). I think it needs a better destination. Many of my athletes raved about Cancun.
If they moved the World Championship from Hawaii I would no longer do that race either.
I’m all for making profit,I am a big fan Ironman and I think the commercialization of events actually adds to the atmosphere, but you are quite right,the vast majority of competitors were US, just the same as the Hawaii bias, but with non-drafting events becoming more popular again, the 1/2 Ironman is becoming the “new olymic” distance, surley a true World championship will be almost demanded sooner or later, or is it just that the rest of the world aren’t afraid to leave their country, unlike so many of our US cousins (bit contraversial???)
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For 2007, it looks as though the ONLY 70.3 events added were outside the US. So, I’d expect a larger non-US field for 2007. Part of the reason there were mostly US participants is that many of the races were in the US this year…That’s changing a bit…
I would vote for a moving location. Why does the WC have to be in one place all the time. It would be nice to see it hosted in France, UK, Thailand, Australia, Italy, Brazil, Monaco, the US (feel free to add your preferred destination). It would raise the profile in some places and bring appreciated business to others.
The AG field may well be smaller, but surely those who want to be in the running would be willing to go. The pro field should still be pretty large and multi national. What do you think (like this decision is democratic!)?
cheers
James
For 2007, it looks as though the ONLY 70.3 events added were outside the US. So, I’d expect a larger non-US field for 2007. Part of the reason there were mostly US participants is that many of the races were in the US this year…That’s changing a bit…
Yes, it’s a lot of new 70.3 raced across the world.
But I’d suspect that several events will have difficulties to get their slots sold! I aggree there is quite a lure to combine a trip to Hawaii with the Ironman and thus to the birthplace of the sport.
But travelling around half the world for a 4-5h event where the spirit of the sport is not honored?
That said let me give you a few personal thoughts on the 70.3 series:
It’s way too expensive!
The average Half IM distance race in Germany charges an equivalent of $ 50-80. 70.3 events are ~$ 230.
Drafting
In countries other than in Germany (10 rule) it’s goint to be a draft fest! The 5 meter rule is real BS!
Clearwater
Wow, what a place to go! No hills, no fair competition. I just don’t want to go!
Awards
The only thing in a way of awards is the prize money. There are no prizes for the AG athletes. Virtually all the smaller events give away something to the first three in each AG. What do you get in 70.3? A slot you have to pay some 300.- for.
I’ll say as Michellie Jones once said: I’ll never, ever, ever, EVER do an Ironman 70.3! ;-=
I would love a good excuse to visit the UK.
I’ve been reading the threads concerning Dan report on Clearwater. He also sugests moving it to another venue within the US in order to encompass more hills, which I agree with totally. But why the US???
Why couldn’t a “World” Championship be held outside the US? We have many outstanding events in Europe - and plenty of hills! Surley it would be fairer if a “World” championship was held in different locations around the world.
The “World” has more than 52 states!
That would be great except you would have to consider timing for qualifiers and Kona’s date. Can you do 1/2 IM UK or New Zealand in November? Then if you do it as part of 1/2 IM Somewhere what happens to the Age Groupers who cant qualify and usually do that race, do they sit out for a year? Although I think Kona is perfect for the IM WC’s, mixing up the 70.3 WC’s location would probably be a good idea.
I’d say that the WTC being HQ’ed in the USA has something to do with it. Makes it easy to stage an event of this magnitude in their own country.
The “World” has more than 52 states!
I’m just a dumb Canadian but aren’t there only 50 states?
Clint
How about St Croix?
Its between Europe and NA. Its a TOUGH course. No drafting to worry about there, and its one of those places that you can learn to love just like Hawaii or other ‘tourist destinations’
yep, I didnt write that.
Get a clue the 50 United States (there are only 50) want to monopolize everything. Get used to it. It is all about money, not a “World” Championship.
People from outside the US could qualify and compete at the “World Championships” right? It’s not the the “World Series” where the only teams allowed to compete are from the US and Canada. Just because it is less convenient for some people, does not mean it isn’t a World Championship.
I’m just a dumb Canadian but aren’t there only 50 states?
No you aren’t a dumb Canadian, but it is true that there are 52 states, it is just that the 2 extra states, Canada and the UK don’t have senators or something like that. The state flower in Canada is Bryan Adams.