USAT AAC

Alison,

I'm not sure if this is in direct answer to your email about elite race
rotation, but it should still be discussed.

I have a hard time understanding why Elite nationals isn't run concurrent
with AG nationals.  There are a few reasons USAT should explore this option
at the risk of putting all its eggs in one basket when it comes to race
venues and appearances of being partial to one region over another:

1.  There is a severe and decisive split within USAT right now between pros
and amateurs.  Amateurs feel spurned by the pros.  They think we are
elitist, rude, and all we care about is money.  By hosting pro nationals
away from the amateurs we only fuel the accusations of standoffishness,
though they are undeserved.

To go with that, it would be excellent PR to have a meet and greet,
autographs, etc. to remind the amateurs that we are not trying to eschew
them.  Our schedules and demands are just different, and that's all.

2.  ITU pro Worlds was previously held concurrent with amateur worlds. 
While this isn't the case this year, USAT should follow suit if the ITU
returns to a consolidated world championships.

3.  Sponsor exposure.  Many pros have corporate sponsors who are on-site at
the amateur nationals expo.  While some athletes would desire not to
participate in an expo before their race, there are those of us who would do
so.

4.  More PR.  If the pro race were to be held the day BEFORE amateur
nationals, it gives us the opportunity to attend clinics, do more sponsor
exposure, or volunteer.  I know that this flies in the face of building hype
around the "big event,"  but it might help USAT's internal relations if we
recognize that the "big event" for the weekend might be the one with a field
of 2,000, not 150.  We just go faster.

5.  It's more fun.  While there are races associated with the pro nationals
events, they aren't of the caliber of amateur nationals.  I can only speak
for myself here, but I have lots of friends who are amateurs and it is
always more fun to see them than people I don't know.  Nationals gives a lot
of people from around the country the chance to reconnect and maintain
friendships while getting in a top-quality event.

I realize that there are huge logistical obstacles involved with this idea. 
Separate courses would definitely increase the likelihood that something
could go awry.  But at this point in time, I think it would speak well of
the professional athletes, and benefit them, to set concurrent and unified
nationals.  If need be, rotate the region over 3 years, but keep the races
together to represent unification of the sport.

Just my $.02.  Feel free to post these comments to the message board too if
you want and see what feedback you get.  I'm not smart enough to figure out
all that stuff.

Tim

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Pro Triathlete / USAT Level I Coach
  www.missouri.edu/~tasfh3

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