USAT AAC

I think the MedExpress Mountaineer Triathlon would be a great choice. I did the race this year and liked it a lot. It was very well organized and the course was challenging but fun. My only reservation is that it would be on the same weekend as Ironman Coeur D'Alene. This could create a conflict for many athletes, especially if it is designated as the "men's national ironman championships" (and given a huge prize purse) again this year.

Of course, the other two races may have a similar scheduling conflict with Ironman Lake Placid (which was the "women's national ironman championship" this year). Aside from the 5430 being just two weeks after Ironman Lake Placid, racing in Boulder would be difficult for those of us who live at sea level.

Obviously, USAT shouldn't be forced to schedule their races around Ironman North America's events. However, if the purpose of the 2006 Long Course National Championships is to qualify the best possible team to represent the US at the 2007 LC Worlds, that objective may not be achieved without taking into account such scheduling conflicts. While all three of the suggested 2006 LC National Championship races are outstanding events, their proximity to the dates of major Ironman races will force athletes to choose between having the opportunity to win some serious prize money (and publicity) at an Ironman or trying to qualify to represent the US at LC Worlds. Does anyone else see this as a problem?

-Paul Fritzsche

--- "Alison DeWall" <alisonaac@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: "Alison DeWall" <alisonaac@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 22:16:47 -0000
To: e-litebeat@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [e-litebeat] 2006 Long Course Nationals Options
Hello all,
USAT is considering 3 events for 2006 Long Course Tri
Nationals. The
Athletes Advisory Council (AAC) would like your opinion - of
the 3
events below, which would be best? Why?
Thanks,
Alison and the AAC
Option A: Spirit of Racine
July 23, 2006
# of years the event has existed: 3
Prize purse: $25k
Can a portion of the prize purse be allocated to the top
American
Finishers? Yes
# of participants in 2005: 1,200 finishers
Nearest airport: Milwaukee
Distance to airport: 20 miles
Homestays available? Yes
Elite athlete comp entries for some? Yes
Post race activities? Yes, live band, huge catered post race
meal
What makes this event special? over 700 volunteers come out and
support this event
Option B: MedExpress Mountaineer Triathlon
June 25, 2006
# of years the event has existed: 1
Prize purse: $25k
Can a portion of the prize purse be allocated to the top
American
Finishers? Yes
# of participants in 2005: 400
Nearest airport: Morgantown
Distance to airport: 5 miles
Homestays available? Yes
Elite athlete comp entries for some? Yes
Post race activities? A pro VIP dinner and pool party provided
by a
local age group triathlete
What makes this event special? The community supports this
event
like no other. 400 volunteers and complete local media support
leading up tot he event and following it
Option C: 5430 Long Course Triathlon
August 13, 2006
# of years the event has existed: 6
Prize purse: $20k
Can a portion of the prize purse be allocated to the top
American
Finishers? Yes
# of participants in 2005: 700
Nearest airport: Denver
Distance to airport: 45 minutes
Homestays available? Yes
Elite athlete comp entries for some? Yes
Post race activities? Massage, beer, large expo, awards
ceremony,
music, food, showers available
What makes this event special? First and foremost- Boulder. Our
2005
race attracted over 20 elite athletes, as well as some of the
best
age groupers in the country. We typically attract athletes from
30
states, and the event is solidly organized and executed.
Wonderful
venue, excellent course.
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posted by andy  # 7:20 AM