Super League Race Stolen from Duplicitous Director

Good morning everyone,

 I want to give a big welcome to our more recent subscribers. Usually, this email comes out on Tuesday, but I was a bit delayed due to traveling home from a pretty special race experience at Ironman 70.3 Pucón, in Chile. 

The combination of flawless organization, an enthusiastic community, and a beautiful setting made this one of the most memorable race experiences of my career. 

On race day there was some unexpected rain and a bit of chop on the lake, but everyone seemed to take it in stride and the energy was electric as I dove into the clear waters of Lake Villarrica. 

On the bike, I managed to pace myself well and headed onto the run in sixth place with the opportunity to try and chase some higher positions. The crowd support in town was insane. The streets were completely lined with screaming fans like in the final miles of a Tour de France stage.

I pushed as hard as I could on the run and in the end I finished fourth - a solid result - but the experience had me feeling like a champion.

In today’s edition: 

• 🔪 Super League loses Malibu Triathlon to duplicitous director.

• 🩸 Continuous glucose monitors are hot right now, but will they make you faster?

• 🧘 And five key yoga poses for triathletes.

Thanks 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

Super League Triathlon Loses Key Permit to Duplicitous Director

What is it: As reported by Triathlon Magazine Canada, the event permit required to host a triathlon in Malibu, California has been awarded to former (and supposedly now current?) triathlon race organizer, Michael Epstein.

• This effectively kills Super League Triathlon’s opportunity to host their event, the long-running Malibu Triathlon, which in 2023 raised over 1.25 million dollars for pediatric cancer research.

Rewind: In 2020, during the COVID pandemic - an extremely difficult time for large-scale sporting events - Super League Triathlon furthered its investment in triathlon by purchasing the Malibu Triathlon from long-time race organizer, Michael Epstein.

• It was a shrewd move from Epstein, who was able to unload a distressed asset at a time of incredible uncertainty.

2023 struggles: Last year was extremely trying for the Super League-owned Malibu Triathlon. The race had to be significantly modified due to the presence of an endangered species on a section of the race course.

• Super League did not submit their modified race course in time, and their permit was effectively denied by the planning commission. A last-minute effort, combined with a green light from the city council allowed the event to take place with only a week’s notice 😮

• The event was ultimately a success, as mentioned earlier having raised a significant sum for children’s cancer research.

The Epstein strikes back: In early December, once again reported by TMC, Epstein sent an email to former race participants saying the newly formed Zuma Foundation would be organizing the only triathlon in Malibu moving forward.

• In his email, he detailed how in the previous year, a special City of Malibu committee was created to decide which entities would host races in the city.

• According to Epstein, the city had awarded him the sole triathlon permit for Malibu - with a five-year contract.

• This move by the city rendered useless Super League’s hefty investment in, and intellectual property for the Malibu triathlon.

Decision deferred: The pivotal December decision was eventually deferred to January, and where we find ourselves now. And, based on Epstein’s communication, it is clear the decision has been made.

• In its response to the decision, Super League mentioned how, as the legal owner of the intellectual property, the decision “sets a dangerous precedent…for those who want to promote health and wellness by investing in sport.”

• According to Super League, they have asked the city council for clarity on the criteria that was used to award the permit, and have yet to receive a response.

Tempo’s take: We already said our piece about Epstein’s unethical and deceptive behavior. But where do the city officials stand in this saga? Ultimately they are the ones who created an untransparent process for distributing permits, and the ones who awarded them.

• It is awful for Super League to be railroaded like this, and have their investment evaporated by questionable circumstances.

• But given how difficult the city was towards Super League’s effort to host a successful race (that raised over a million dollars for cancer research!!!), it may be a blessing in disguise in the long term.

• Now Super League can focus its efforts on delivering races in Chicago, New York, and Long Beach.

FAVOURITES

👩‍🔬 Glucose monitors explained: Continuous glucose monitors are taking the endurance world by storm. But what are they? And how can they help you fuel better and get faster? Start here. [My Sports Science]

🧘 Yoga for us: We know yoga is great for triathletes, but with all the swim/bike/run/life where are you going to fit in another class? Don’t stress and instead check out these 5 yoga poses for triathletes - they’ll also help prevent injuries! [Triathlete]

🏋️‍♂️ Minimum viable strength: Strength training is important for improving performance and staying healthy. But how often do you need to train it? Maybe a lot less than you think! [Outside]

🦵 Shin splint solution: Are you dealing with shin splints? Here are a few stretches to help you get rid of them - for good! [Very Well Fit]

REEL TIME

A great time-saving for when you exit the water during a race! 🏊‍♀️

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QUICK NEWS

Anti-doping update: The 2024 World Anti-Doping prohibited list is now in force. New this year - the drug Tramadol is now banned in competition. [WADA]

Tri U.A.E: The fifth edition of the U.A.E’s Ras Al Khaimah Triathlon is just around the corner. The super sprint, sprint, and Olympic distance races will be held on January 14th. [WOW-RAK]

Brownlee bonus: The Brownlee Foundation has purchased TriHard events - which includes the Helvellyn Triathlon - the profits from the events will go to grassroots sports initiatives. [TRI247]

Race Ranger in action: The innovative anti-drafting technology, Race Ranger, will be used at this weekend’s Challenge Wanaka. [Challenge Family]

YOU SAID

Here’s what Tempo readers said about whether they incorporate strength training into their routine - looks like you’re a strong bunch! 💪

RACE WEEKEND

Ironman 70.3 Pucón, Chile

Men’s race: It was the Yo Yo Yo show in Pucón as Sam Long (USA) took the convincing win. A South American showdown for second resulted in Luciano Taccone (ARG) snuck by Martin Ulloa (Chi) in the final stretch of the run.

Women’s race: Marta Sanchez (ESP) led out of the water and didn’t look back as she took the dominant win in Pucon. Elizabeth Bravo (ECU) was second and Chilean triathlon royalty, Barbara Riveros rounded out the podium in her comeback from being hit by a car.

Full results 

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