Just noticed the article at Triathlete magazine online about the hire of marketing guru for Iron Girl ( a guy). So I googled it. So WTC effectively controls the iron distance, fine. In 2006 they are bringing the World Half Iron championships to take on all the existing half-iron races. Now on the heels of the success of Danskin and Reebock womens series they are launching a whole new movement focusing on women triathletes with chat rooms, training specifics and coaches, motivations and a club (free to the first 50,000 members) the “full meal” deal. And supposedly four new races…one in Seattle home of the most successful Danskin and Reebock races. Very slick marketing structure (lots of pink). Not sure what to think other than shake my head. Especially in slogans about creating a womens’ movement in triathlon. Given their track record I am curious if they will have the continued overwhelming success. I am also curious what it might do to the many womens specific races and organizations that have emerged in the last few years. Their track record is to take out any competition in whatever way they have to (such as Nice, Keohona, failed attempt with Roth).
So what’s the problem?
Yea, agreed, last time I checked we lived in a capitalistic society that thrived on healthy competition in the business sector. Like any business confronted with competition, these women-oriented races and series must adapt, grow, respond and set themselves apart from the mogul. Some will fail. Others will flourish. Chances are, in the end, the consumer will have more and better choices. Frankly, I like WTC races - they are well organized, staffed and generally safe. I do many “grass-roots” races as well, and enjoy them for what they are. I’m happy to have these choices.
There’s a difference between “healthy competition” and monopolistic behavoir. WTC has a monopoly on entry to the so called Ironman World Championships in Kona. Through only allowing athletes who compete in their sanctioned races to qualify for their own “world championship” they act as a near monopoly at the iron-distance - and almost completely at the elite level. While some iron distance races have managed to survive without WTC designation (Roth which decided against it) and Great Floridian (who now competes against IMF but seems to be doing a very good job at it) - most other iron distance races have a hard time getting more then 300 people to sign up in the US.
If WTC cared about more then just making more $$$ (like $450 per person isn’t enough) they would try to encourage more participation in triathlon and look for new markets to develop races in - rather then try to compete directly with existing races.
I think my post was more a question, observations, with no real conclusion. A sense of concern certainly. A lot of tris that have been around for awhile are struggling. I recall Dan’s article a few years ago where Irongrrls created a line of clothing specific for women and got their butts sued by WTC for copyright infringement. Maybe it is the slickness of the marketing to women as a market… its seems especially cynical given that they have had no real presence in womens’ sports until now. and their track record doesn’t seem to demonstrate any commitment to ‘community’ or even neccesarily the age-group athlete. Its kind of like when Ford used “Light My Fire” to sell cars. I dunno what it means. It will bear watching.
I see the reference to the 1/2 Ironman championship in your post. I had not heard that WTC was putting on such a race. Can you send post a link or a reference to that race.
Thanks.