T100's Case for Consolidation

TOGETHER WITH BLUESEVENTY

Good morning everyone,

I finally have a race on the calendar. Have I been training for it? Nope.

Will it hurt like hell? Of course.

Am I pumped to race again? Absolutely!

On April 12th, I’ll be lining up at the Bill Bone Olympic Triathlon in West Palm Beach, Florida, where I’ll be joined by my wife, Kirsten Kasper, and fellow Olympian Kevin McDowell.

If you’re in the area and feel like joining in on the fun, I’d love to see you there.

And in the meantime, I’ll be panic training, and making sure I still fit in the ol’ tri suit! 😂

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

ONE BIG THING

T100 Chief Makes the Case for Consolidation

What is it: In a recent interview with Slowtwitch, the T100/PTO CEO, Sam Renouf, discussed his organization's purchase of Challenge, why the sport needs consolidation, and why the new Triathlon World Tour needs to compete with more than just IRONMAN.

Case for Challenge: According to Renouf, the acquisition of Challenge didn’t just include a global network of races, but key assets including “a brand, a database, IP that’s existed for 23 years that’s related to Challenge…there’s [also] a very capable team with some wonderful people.”

Consolidate or disintegrate: The acquisition of Challenge, alongside the T100’s 12-year partnership with World Triathlon, ensures that 2027’s Triathlon World Tour will have over 100 events. And with that many events - and a valuable audience - it will be easier to sell broadcast and commercial rights.

Beyond IRONMAN: In the interview, Renouf suggests that the biggest competitor of the T100/Triathlon World Tour isn’t IRONMAN, it’s sports like F1, Golf, and Tennis.

“We’re competing with people’s disposable time…If triathlon focuses on competing with each other as a sport…triathlon will stay small as a niche sport. We’re not doing this to stay as a niche sport.”

Tempo’s Take: Through cancelled races, near-bankruptcy, and miscounted lap disasters, the T100 has managed to hang on and cement itself as THE alternative global triathlon product to IRONMAN.

And like Julie Moss in Kona, Renouf continues to fight with every ounce of energy for his finish line - a profitable and globally recognized sporting brand.

• Renouf is a shrewd operator, and I have a lot of respect for his ability to take the hits and keep coming back for more.

This coming weekend sees the T100 season start on the Gold Coast. The women’s-only professional field has seen Ashleigh Gentle (pregnancy) and Kate Waugh + Julie Derron (injury) drop off the start list. But a long-since sold-out age group race will certainly buoy Renouf’s spirits as the path to profitability continues.

• But as war rages in the Middle East, what happens to the T100 - and Renouf’s series - if the money behind it suddenly looks elsewhere?

TOGETHER WITH BLUESEVENTY

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FAVORITES

🦵 Master this move: The single-leg deadlift is an exercise that matches the exact movement patterns and muscle groups used in running and cycling. Plus: It can also help prevent injury - here’s how to master it! [New York Times]

💓 Zone 2 for you: You’ve been told Zone 2 training is crucial for your endurance performance and longevity. But how do you actually know when you’re actually in Zone 2? Is it heart rate? Lactate? Something else that ends in “ate”? According to this video, the answer is quite simple! [Peter Attia]

📈 High carb harmony: Is the high-carb trend over yet? Absolutely not! Better performance and recovery are the clear benefits. So if you want to train your gut to take on more carbs this season, start here! [Precision Fuel & Hydration]

👟 Most exciting shoes: And the most exciting road running shoes of 2026 are…actually pretty awesome! And definitely ones we weren’t expecting. [Believe in the Run]

🔗 Most clicked link: The most clicked link from our last edition was a video discussing how you can nail the pull phase of your stroke! [GTN]

REEL TIME

Really, all endurance sports are like this 🤣

QUICK NEWS

Challenge Shanghai: The inaugural edition of Challenge Shanghai will take place Oct 24-25. The new event marks an expansion for Challenge into East China. [endurance biz]

United broadcast: The T100 and World Triathlon have announced that they will unite their races at triathlonlive.tv. The first broadcast being this weekend’s T100 Gold Coast! [Broadcast Now]

Smart support: Bangladesh’s first female triathlete, Ferdousi Akter Mariya, is set to receive financial assistance to compete in the Ironman 70.3 Championship in France this September. [Daily Star]

Lake Havasuccess: The Cal Tri Lake Havasu Triathlon saw another successful edition - the first under new ownership. [Lake Havasu News]

WEEKEND RACES

IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm

High winds and a shortened swim were the perfect conditions for a pair of victories for Jackie Hering (USA) and Lionel Sanders (CAN).

Full race results

World Triathlon World Cup - Lanzarote, Spain

Championship Series (lite) start lists + a hilly bike course set the stage for a great year of World Triathlon racing. David Cantero del Campo (ESP) was the home country hero, while Nina Eim (GER) started her season off with a strong win!

Full race results

World Triathlon Para Series - Devonport, Australia

Howie Sanborn (USA), Anu Francis (AUS), and Jck Howell (AUS) were among the winners at the opening Para Series event in Devonport!

Full race results

LATEST EDITIONS

• World triathlon waylaid by war. Plus: Should you split your long run?

• Is the T100’s latest purchase a Challenge to IRONMAN?

• More questions than answers for new triathlon world rankings.