Triathlon's Economic Impact

Good morning everyone,

I had a bit of a health scare last week so I’m laying low training-wise for the next bit. I don’t think I’ll be out too long, but I will definitely appreciate working out again when I can get back into it. And I would very much appreciate it if you could please fill out our community survey, thank you to those who have already done so 😊.

In today’s edition:

• What is the economic impact of a big Triathlon weekend?

• A wrap-up of a mega race weekend.

• And how should you train when the air quality isn’t good?

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. 

QUICK NEWS

👏 Adaptive triathlon: The fourth annual Pat Grzenda Triathlon, an event celebrating athletes of all abilities, had an incredibly successful outing. Middle and high schoolers were able to compete in an adaptive triathlon, check out the photos from what looked like an awesome and inclusive event! [Lawrence Times]

🐄 Vacaville tri: Registration is now open for the inaugural Vacaville Youth Triathlon Splash & Dash. The event takes place on May 21st from 1-4PM. [The Reporter]

🏆 IM OZ HOF: Allan Pitman and Glenda Baggs have been inducted into the Ironman Australia Hall of Fame for their contributions to the sport as athlete/coach and long-time event managers. [Trizone]

🏌️ Augusta volunteers: The Augusta Sports Council is looking for volunteers to help run the 14th edition of Ironman 70.3 Augusta. The event will be held in September, and early reports suggest volunteers may receive a special “green jacket” for their efforts . [The Augusta Press]

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ONE BIG THING

Swansea Set for Impressive Triathlon Weekend Economic Impact

Triathletes will be out in full force in Swansea, Wales this July, and so will their wallets. As reported by Insider Media, the World Triathlon Paratriathlon World Series, held on July 15th, and Ironman 70.3 Swansea, held on July 16th will generate over £2.5m for the local economy.

The impact: Hotels, restaurants, coffee shops (definitely coffee shops!), bike shops, and other service providers are huge beneficiaries of the economic boost from a large-scale triathlon event.

Numbers: It was estimated that the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Championships brought a $20-25m injection to the local St. George economy. The event revenue from these events can help:

• Provide tax relief

• Support infrastructure

• Assist in business development

Triathlon can be super healthy for its athletes, but the communities that host these events can also enjoy an invigorating boost.

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WEEKEND RACES

PTO European Open, Ironman 70.3 North American Championships and More

PTO European Open - Ibiza, Spain

One of the most anticipated races of the year certainly lived up to expectations. The PTO successfully showcased its flagship race to a massive audience, and the racing action was world-class.

Women: Anne Haug (GER) came into this event with incredible form. And she was able to live up to the hype amongst the best women’s long-course field this year, maybe ever.

• 🥇 Anne Haug (GER)

• 🥈 Ashleigh Gentle (AUS)

• 🥉 Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR)

Men: Magnus Ditlev (DEN) blew things up on the bike, but Max Neumann (AUS) had the strength to hold on as he used a strong performance in all three sports to take his first PTO win.

• 🥇 Max Neumann (AUS)

• 🥈 Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR)

• 🥉 Magnus Ditlev (DEN)

Tempo’s take: All eyes are on Milwaukee for the next round of the PTO Tour. Milwaukee in August should be pretty 🔥 with high heat and humidity. And unlike Ibiza, the likely non-wetsuit swim will benefit athletes like Charles-Barclay, while Haug will have her work cut out.

Full results

Ironman 70.3 North American Championships - St. George, Utah

Women: After stepping away from the sport for over 18 months to work on her mental health, Jeannie Metzler (RSA) made a triumphant return with a strong performance in all three disciplines taking an emotional win.

• 🥇 Jeannie Metzler (RSA)

• 🥈 Skye Moench (USA)

• 🥉 Danielle Lewis (USA)

Men’s race: The big unit, Sam Long (USA), made a big move at the beginning of the bike and took a big win in St. George. Lionel Sanders (CAN) was a big absence from the podium.

• 🥇 Sam Long (USA)

• 🥈 Trevor Foley (USA)

• 🥉 Jackson Laundry (CAN)

Full results

World Triathlon Long Distance World Championships

Power couple Marjolaine Pierré and Clément Mignon (FRA) are now a couple of World Champions by taking the women’s and men’s races, respectively.

Full results

Ironman Australia

Steve McKenna (AUS) did his signature robot as he crossed the line first, while Kylie Simpson (AUS) put on a clinic while taking the win.

Full results

Ironman 70.3 Marbella

Nikki Bartlett (GBR) and Nicolas Mann (GER) are the masters of Marbella.

Full results

White Lake Half Pro-Am

Grace Alexander (USA) and Elliot Bach (USA) are the winners of White Lake.

Full results

SUBSCRIBER STORIES

Fast Racing in The Floating City

This past weekend Tempo subscriber Klemen Suligoj competed at Ironman 70.3 Venice-Jesolo. Here’s his take on the good, bad, and ugly from race day.

Ironman 70.3 Venice-Jesolo is a very popular race in the city of Lido di Jesolo near Venice, Italy. Every year it attracts athletes from all over the world that wish to experience the beauty of the Venetian Riviera. In 2023, 3000 athletes from 64 countries took part in an Age-Group only race.

Travel and accommodation couldn’t be easier, which is probably another reason why the area is popular worldwide. Jesolo is located just 34 km from Marco Polo Airport in Venice and the venue is easily accessible by either car or public transport. Along the coastline where the event takes place, lie numerous hotels and other accommodations. All mentioned makes a lot of athletes stay longer than just for the race weekend and allows them to explore the Veneto region.

The race is very well organized and the area is well marked, although some flaws made life harder for athletes. The parking area was wild - literally and figuratively. Lack of proper organization meant that cars were parked all over the place, while a large part of the parking lot was a meadow with tall grass (up to my knees) made walking with bikes and other race gear even harder.

The start and finish area and the transition zone are approximately 10-15 minutes apart which one has to account for and make sure he doesn’t forget anything as going up and down can be costly.

Read the rest of the story and learn:

• Why the transition is “one of the wildest ones out there.”

• How to navigate the dynamic bike course.

• And why the finish area needs some serious work.

FAVOURITES

🏭 Air issues: Summer is on its way, but for some that can mean hotter, dirtier air, and even smoke from forest fires. Check out this awesome article on training when the air is less than ideal. But should you train in dirty air to adapt? [Outside]

🧠 Veteran wisdom: At 42 Tim O’Donnell recently won his 25th professional race. He credits changes to his program, including taking Sundays completely off, that has allowed him to continue to compete at the highest level. Read on and learn the specific sessions that keep him on the podium. [Triathlete]

🏃 That Duathlon life: Changes to race plans can suck, even if you’re a seasoned pro. Watch this latest episode below of That Triathlon Life, and learn how Eric and Paula pivot when crazy winds and switch to a Duathlon get thrown at them.

SURVEY

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TEMPO EXCLUSIVE ARCHIVE

• Kaylee Slade: Professional triathlete and vet student, how she gets it done.

• Professional triathlete Loren Nelson gives us his perspective on training with an altitude tent.

• Want to perform better? Better drop the phone! How smartphones affect triathlon performance. 

LATEST EDITIONS

• Why the PTO broadcast deal is a big deal. And how to improve your bone health.

• Can training with an altitude tent elevate your performance?

• Do carbon-plated shoes cause injury? And why the pre-race 🚽 is performance enhancing

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