After Years of Challenge, What is the State of the Sport?

Together With

Good morning everyone!

Well, we made it to Friday. And after a long week at work, it's time for the typical triathlete to kick back, relax, and jump into two massive days of training 😂. But maybe you are actually relaxing, which is great because you probably deserve it!

In today's edition,

• On Running signs superstar triathletes in a quest for T2 supremacy 👟

• Does your daily coffee ruin the performance benefits of caffeine? ☕

• And after the pandemic, and a looming recession, what is the state of the sport?

Thank you for being here.

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

Have a triathlete in your life who can't stop swimming, biking or running? Fire this off to them. Forwarded from a friend? Sign-up for free. 

ONE BIG THING

On Takes Aim at Triathlon

What is it: The shoe company, On, recently announced the signing of three of the world's best and most recognizable long-course triathletes, as reported by Women's Wear Daily. 

• Olympic gold medalist and reining 70.3 World Champion Kristian Blummenfelt;

• Ironman World Champion Chelsea Sodaro; and

• 2022 70.3 World Championship silver medalist Paula Findlay.

Why it matters: Until the past few months, On was not a major player in the triathlon scene. But that quickly changed this fall when days before the Ironman World Championship, Norwegian star Gustav Iden announced he would be competing in their newest shoe, the Cloudboom Echo 3. And then promptly won, which singlehandedly jettisoned On into the collective triathlon conscience.

• But it was not without controversy, as it was determined the dimensions of Iden's winning On shoes were greater than the standards set by running's governing body, World Athletics.

• Given Ironman does not follow the World Athletics standards, these athletes will no doubt enjoy the "Iden advantage."

Tempo's take: This is huge news from On, and it puts the Swiss company on the radar of triathletes everywhere looking for a Kona-proven performance advantage.

It's also a shot across the bow directly at the OG triathlon shoe juggernaut, Hoka. Although Hoka is still a massive presence in transition zones, its presence on elite podiums has been waning in the era of the carbon-plated super shoes.

• Recently elites have been exiting their Hoka contracts so that they could be free to run in competitors' offerings.

• It's no secret the Norwegians have the most cutting-edge sports science in the world. The fact the On shoes are "Blummenfelt approved" means they are offering more than just a nice contract.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is famous for saying, "your margin is my opportunity." And clearly On is ready to take a bite out of the Hoka-sized opportunity in T2.

TOGETHER WITH

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NEWS

🌭 Swim, brew, and brat: The Professional Triathletes Organization has announced the second event of its 2023 PTO Tour, the United States Open, which will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 4th and 5th. It will be hosted in conjunction with the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships which should provide an epic atmosphere for the elites. [Professional Triathletes Organization]

💩 Crap situation: Although Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) says Corsair Bay is "unsuitable for swimming" due to bacteria, The Canterbury Classic Olympic Distance Triathlon will continue as scheduled. Extensive testing from the race organizers and Environment Canterbury has shown no bacteria is present, and the water quality is "superb." [Star News]

😔 Super League letdown: Former Jersey, U.K. Economic Development Minister, Lyndon Farnham says he's "disappointed" and "not altogether surprised," that the new government has pulled its funding from the popular Super League Triathlon event. There is an opportunity for Super League to return to the Bailwick, but it will have to compete with other government funding requests. [Jersey Post]

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 For the people: Elite triathletes will be battling it out for a share of the R31,000 prize pool at this weekend's Peoples Triathlon in St. Francis Bay, South Africa. Age group athletes will be competing in a slightly shorter version of the middle-distance triathlon. [News24.com]

TEMPO EXCLUSIVE

In 2023, the State of the Sport Is?

If small businesses are the backbone of the economy, then race directors like Mark Wilson are the backbone of triathlon. We spoke with Mark about how he and his races weathered the COVID storm, if he's seeing any signs of a looming recession in his business, and what he believes is the current "state of the sport."

Thanks for catching up with us Mark. First off, can you tell us what the damage was like from COVID, and how did you survive?

Ugh!! We went from 20 races down to 9 during COVID. I didn’t think we were gonna make it; lots of praying. However, my coaching services kept us afloat as many folks NEEDED that kind of direction during that time. So we were lucky, and are very grateful to still be doing what we do.

There is talk of a recession this year, wondering if you’re seeing signs of it in your events?

Our event registration is going very well! My wife Tonia has done a beautiful job with our marketing and it’s showing. We’re blessed to be ahead already with sign-ups, especially the Cassadaga Kids Triathlon!!

In your opinion, what is the current "state of the sport?”

It’s rebuilding. There are now more grassroots and independent companies getting into the sport. Ironman should NOT be the finish line because without companies like Wilson Endurance Sports, they will NOT survive. It’s like training, you need the BASE to race well, and without it, you’ll crumble. The same thing with event production, Ironman NEEDS us.

Check out the rest of our interview with Mark and learn,

• The surprising demographic trend currently powering the sport.

• The biggest mistake he's made in 20 years of race directing.

• The principles to running a successful event in 2023.

Read the full interview here.

What are your thoughts on the state of the sport? Any trends you see that are encouraging? Discouraging? Respond to this email and tell us what you think about triathlon's 2023 vibe.

FAVOURITES

☕ Crucial coffee: Is your morning brew ruining your pre-workout caffeine boost? This infographic from Yann Le Meur references a 2022 study that researched whether habitual coffee consumption affected the ergogenic (performance benefit) effect of caffeine. And thankfully, drinking coffee frequently does not take away from the benefit of caffeine. Ergogenic...straight to Google with that one!

🍫 Healthy or harmful: Once dubbed a "high octane snack for fitness freaks" (still is TBH), protein bars have exploded to the point where they are available at any grocery or corner store. But are they healthy for you? Or are they just beefed-up candy bars? [New York Times]

🥔 Isle to Abu Dhabi: Two Prince Edward Island triathletes, Andrea Morrison and Nancy Ripley, had very different reasons for competing at the World Triathlon Age Group World Championships in Abu Dhabi. But both agreed it was an honor to represent their country at the highest level! [Saltwire]

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EXCLUSIVE TEMPO INTERVIEWS

• Scott Tindal on eating properly for Ironman training.

• Performance psychologist Alex Auerbach on why you should celebrate the small wins.

• How Samantha Kingsford balances XTERRA and long-course.

COMMUNITY QUESTION

Have a burning question about triathlon or Ironman? Want to share a racing tip? Let us know and it could be featured in the newsletter.

Are you racing this weekend? Or any epic training sessions? We'd love to hear about them! Send us your photos or a race recap, and we will feature them in next Tuesday's edition!

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