Agree. Having to race 2x to get to the WC? (Normal IM to Q for continental Champs, then race again to Q at WC).
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only once in the year of the worlds at the continental champs. Id have people getting say 1 or 2 years? after QF’ing for a continental to use their slot there. Probably wont work as IM wouldnt make as much money at Frankfurt et al with “one and dones” but might make for fairer racing for those aiming for slots at worlds
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Agree with some of those points, I’m not sure the AG women’s field is deep enough to have a meaningful WC on it’s own, goes back to the argument that anyone qualifying should maybe be within 110% of the winner, but plenty are willing to pay and go so it makes business sense to them.
It also means more places for the men’s race with people qualifying by virtue of finishing, turning up to roll-down and having deep pockets for the trip to Kona. There was always an odd one that ended like that but a lot more now.
Anyway this article suggests that Nice is still a WC venue in 2026 which will mean there’s been 2 male and female races at each location in the period. Also suggests the new CEO is looking at ways forward.
I actually had an email last night asking me if I was interested in a possible one hour session with me for my thoughts, but they are doing pre-screening via a questionnaire first. If I do it I’ll get a $100 credit note for something, wasn’t clear if it was for a race entry or Amazon etc.
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$100 credit note for use at Kona when it goes up to $1600 from $1500 ?
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Or off a merch purchase over $500
Edit: for a fee I can ask them to put on races in safe water for you 
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…and after IMWC Qatar, the athletes could wander around in their bikinis, enjoying the rich geographical treasures, a spot of surfing and a few beers.
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You know, they actually could do all that if they still had the energy (in the right places ie. international hotels and private beaches) but the surfing would need to be kite, and the geographical treasures would be largely sand-based.
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Love a sand castle and sand sculpture. Sounds like Weston-super-Mare 
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Now they have a race in Leeds, it is only a matter of time before it is the WC venue.
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Here he is. The Middle Eastern tourist board.
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Did I mention the camels
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No, is that because you got the hump?
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No more than the average Joe.
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They are knackered old donkeys… oh I’m thinking weston again.
Have they got any mud? No mud, and I’m out.
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Sorry no mud. Lots of potential mud in dried form mind, just need to add water.
I did the focus group with Ironman today, wasn’t entirely what I was expecting but wasn’t totally sure what to expect! There were 4 of us and rep from Ironman Europe, she was based in Barcelona and really enthusiastic.
2 of us were Brits, couldn’t see the other lad as his camera was off as I gather he does 6 weeks on/ 6 weeks off a ship and was off the coast of Africa I think! The other two were German and a Dane I think, one was my age and the other would have been similar. I thought TC had sneaked in when he said he had plans to do 5 full distance races next year and two 70.3’s, including both WC’s in Nice & Marbella.
Anyway, it was positive to see they were asking for feedback directly from their customers and it wasn’t just a question saying your races are too expensive etc.
They also do go through the post-race questionnaires people fill in and one of us suggested some kind of more regular athlete feedback like this, but also maybe say that if they have done something athletes asked for then try and get the message across.
More positive than I expected but TBF she had a good positive attendance.
Hopefully it’s a sign of better things. One point was made around scheduling 2 races in Scandi on the same weekend, but with a couple of rare exceptions not many people do more than 1 IM a year these days I think.
Also, 2 of them were fairly adamant that the IM WC should be both sexes on the same location, and I think they weren’t completely against rotating it like the 70.3
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Just received the following email off Ironman, they’re clearly considering the Kona situation, haven’t responded yet though.
Two years ago, we split the IRONMAN World Championship, spanning both Kona and Nice, and we are incredibly proud of all that our athletes have achieved in both of these historic and beautiful locations. During these two years, we have sought and received feedback from diverse stakeholders to help us better understand the important role of the IRONMAN World Championship within our community. One thing is clear – the IRONMAN World Championship is the pinnacle of our sport, a celebration of human achievement, and a testament to the passion and commitment of our IRONMAN community.
As we look to the long-term future of the IRONMAN World Championship, we are committed to listening to and learning from our community. In this spirit, we would like your input as a valued member of our IRONMAN `ohana. Your feedback will form part of the ongoing inputs we will continue to collect as we envision the long-term future of the IRONMAN World Championship.
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…that Americans have no chance on European courses.
#crossthreadrant
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