I don’t know why Ironman doesn’t have tracking splits on their bike and run at Muncie but they are making a big mistake. Not only are they letting down “spectators” they are leaving a lot of money on the table.
For the spectator, tracking Ironman is an event and the more splits they create on race day means more value in their back catalog of products. I’m sure I’m not the only one who obsessively tracks past race results.
Ironman Results live forever as a great way to make passive income long after the event. Seems like it would be easy to find a sponsor and build a robust catalog of statistics for a rabid group of triathletes to sift through for hours.
Not only that, tracking is one of those things that gets fringe players interested in your game. My mom, for example was all over tracking me last year at Muncie and Wisconsin. I think it really helped acclimate her to the sport and till this day she spreads the Ironman gospel to anyone who will listen.
Before MLB TV I literally used to sit at a computer and watch the Brewers on ESPN Gamecast. It seems ridiculous, but there is something riveting about the anticipation. Of course Gamecast was the segue to being able to stream games live. And perfecting triathlon split tracking is the logical stepping stone to having more sponsored live cameras on the course.
I know that Full Ironman races are the main focus, but the most people with true triathlon “fever” start with a half. These are the people who want to feel like pros. They are the gateway to building the sport and bringing new fans along for the ride.
Here’s a shot of Andrew Starykowicz after crushing the bike at just under 28 mph. Photo credit Allie Miles.
