In an effort to increase the cachet and add an indirect revenue stream to its fledgling virtual racing offering, Ironman has dangled the carrot of qualifying for the yet-to-be-rescheduled Ironman 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand.
Advertisement
It’s the latest initiative from the race organiser that has witnessed tens of thousands of triathletes sign up to compete or complete its free weekly virtual challenges on either the turbo and treadmill or by uploading data files.
As part of its Ironman Virtual Club, slots to the postponed 70.3 World Championship in Taupo can now be won through a four-race duathlon series – comprising one 70.3 distance and three standard-distance race formats – with points weighted towards the longer distance. For the 70.3, a 5km run replaces the 1.9km swim. A 3km run starts the shorter event.
The Championship Series kicks off with its VR10 challenge this weekend (5-7 June), with each event having to be completed within a 12-hour period and the top three results counting. It’s free to take part, but while it might add a welcome incentive for many triathletes, it also raises yet more questions over the veracity of virtual racing that can be largely brushed aside when it’s just for fun.
Launched in partnership with training set-up Rouvy, Ironman VR was announced on 1 April and was no April Fool – although if you were to put too much faith in the results you might be taken for one. It was hastily and understandably rolled out in reaction to Ironman’s Covid-related quandary. After all, few industries are hit harder by a pandemic than global events organisers. Timing for its cash flow running dry could hardly have been worse. Ironman was already facing legal proceedings from investors over a disappointing share flotation, and was on the cusp of pushing through an agreed sale to new owners.
Ironman does deserve credit for acting swiftly, though, and all too aware of potential for result manipulation, the organiser is now ratcheting down and set to introduce new rules that will weed out eyebrow-raising performances and attempt to give virtual reality racing increased credibility.
It’s already split its offering into Classic and Challenge divisions, the latter for the more serious contenders and the one that will be used for Ironman 70.3 Worlds qualification. In this class, cycling is restricted to the stationary bike on Rouvy (not on the road), with runs conversely having to be completed outdoors (not on a treadmill).
Without losing ourselves in the weeds of this, Ironman CEO Andrew Messick has pledged to imminently release updated rules including pulling together an ‘e-racing bio athlete passport’ that will provide a holistic look at individual race performances and assess if any mistakes (aka cheating) has taken place. The forensics mean results won’t be posted until the Tuesday following the weekend’s racing.
Ironman is trying a fail-fast policy and prepared to make tweaks as it goes. If it doesn’t pass muster for the community, Messick says his instinct will be to “shut it down”, the chief exec being well aware opinions remain divided about whether virtual racing has any compatibility with the traditional side of the sport.
Certainly, many professionals, while embracing the concept of virtual racing with Ironman or the popular pro Zwift races, have been at pains to point out it shouldn’t be seen as a proxy for regular racing. The Professional Triathlon Organisation recently pulled back from attempting the 2020 Collins Cup in a virtual format on Zwift.
Advertisement
As for the prize on offer, Ironman is not a brand associated with subtly, but this is about as light-touch as it gets for morphing virtual racing into real world scenarios. It’s been reported by triathlete.com that only ‘around 100’ [Ironman Will Award 70.3 World Championship Slots At Virtual Races] slots will be given out initially – a tiny percentage for a 70.3 world championship that is typically packed with 6,500 age-groupers over two days of racing.
Of all the potential triathlon races for 2021, it also has to be one of the more questionable to take place, particularly with anything close to resembling an international field. New Zealand, helped by its geography, is just about the gold standard for managing Covid, and staging a half-Ironman with triathletes flying in from all over the world won’t rank highly in the Kiwi’s health-centric list of priorities.
So, while purists becoming hung up on Ironman handing out a handful of Taupo spots cheaply shouldn’t be an issue, what might be more concerning to traditionalists is if this is the direction of travel for triathlon, and the thin end of the wedge.
If Ironman can make VR racing work just enough, it’s only a short hop to attaching sought-after places for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, and with two editions planned for 2020, in February and October, and scarce opportunities to qualify at ‘real world’ events there are currently a few going around.
It might also be worth noting that Ironman’s modus operandi is to demand entrance fees immediately after qualification, when the adrenaline is still pumping. Given its track record for refunds and that future races currently hang in the balance, you might want to give some considered thought before handing over the cheque.
In an effort to increase the cachet and add an indirect revenue stream to its fledgling virtual racing offering, Ironman has dangled the carrot of qualifying for the yet-to-be-rescheduled Ironman 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand.
Advertisement
It’s the latest initiative from the race organiser that has witnessed tens of thousands of triathletes sign up to compete or complete its free weekly virtual challenges on either the turbo and treadmill or by uploading data files.
As part of its Ironman Virtual Club, slots to the postponed 70.3 World Championship in Taupo can now be won through a four-race duathlon series – comprising one 70.3 distance and three standard-distance race formats – with points weighted towards the longer distance. For the 70.3, a 5km run replaces the 1.9km swim. A 3km run starts the shorter event.
The Championship Series kicks off with its VR10 challenge this weekend (5-7 June), with each event having to be completed within a 12-hour period and the top three results counting. It’s free to take part, but while it might add a welcome incentive for many triathletes, it also raises yet more questions over the veracity of virtual racing that can be largely brushed aside when it’s just for fun.
Launched in partnership with training set-up Rouvy, Ironman VR was announced on 1 April and was no April Fool – although if you were to put too much faith in the results you might be taken for one. It was hastily and understandably rolled out in reaction to Ironman’s Covid-related quandary. After all, few industries are hit harder by a pandemic than global events organisers. Timing for its cash flow running dry could hardly have been worse. Ironman was already facing legal proceedings from investors over a disappointing share flotation, and was on the cusp of pushing through an agreed sale to new owners.
Ironman does deserve credit for acting swiftly, though, and all too aware of potential for result manipulation, the organiser is now ratcheting down and set to introduce new rules that will weed out eyebrow-raising performances and attempt to give virtual reality racing increased credibility.
It’s already split its offering into Classic and Challenge divisions, the latter for the more serious contenders and the one that will be used for Ironman 70.3 Worlds qualification. In this class, cycling is restricted to the stationary bike on Rouvy (not on the road), with runs conversely having to be completed outdoors (not on a treadmill).
Without losing ourselves in the weeds of this, Ironman CEO Andrew Messick has pledged to imminently release updated rules including pulling together an ‘e-racing bio athlete passport’ that will provide a holistic look at individual race performances and assess if any mistakes (aka cheating) has taken place. The forensics mean results won’t be posted until the Tuesday following the weekend’s racing.
Ironman is trying a fail-fast policy and prepared to make tweaks as it goes. If it doesn’t pass muster for the community, Messick says his instinct will be to “shut it down”, the chief exec being well aware opinions remain divided about whether virtual racing has any compatibility with the traditional side of the sport.
Certainly, many professionals, while embracing the concept of virtual racing with Ironman or the popular pro Zwift races, have been at pains to point out it shouldn’t be seen as a proxy for regular racing. The Professional Triathlon Organisation recently pulled back from attempting the 2020 Collins Cup in a virtual format on Zwift.
Advertisement
As for the prize on offer, Ironman is not a brand associated with subtly, but this is about as light-touch as it gets for morphing virtual racing into real world scenarios. It’s been reported by triathlete.com that only ‘around 100’ [Ironman Will Award 70.3 World Championship Slots At Virtual Races] slots will be given out initially – a tiny percentage for a 70.3 world championship that is typically packed with 6,500 age-groupers over two days of racing.
Of all the potential triathlon races for 2021, it also has to be one of the more questionable to take place, particularly with anything close to resembling an international field. New Zealand, helped by its geography, is just about the gold standard for managing Covid, and staging a half-Ironman with triathletes flying in from all over the world won’t rank highly in the Kiwi’s health-centric list of priorities.
So, while purists becoming hung up on Ironman handing out a handful of Taupo spots cheaply shouldn’t be an issue, what might be more concerning to traditionalists is if this is the direction of travel for triathlon, and the thin end of the wedge.
If Ironman can make VR racing work just enough, it’s only a short hop to attaching sought-after places for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, and with two editions planned for 2020, in February and October, and scarce opportunities to qualify at ‘real world’ events there are currently a few going around.
It might also be worth noting that Ironman’s modus operandi is to demand entrance fees immediately after qualification, when the adrenaline is still pumping. Given its track record for refunds and that future races currently hang in the balance, you might want to give some considered thought before handing over the cheque.
Enervit‘s nutritional package is worth over £50 and contains a wide selection of nutritional goodies, and includes energy bars, organic bars, protein bars, omega 3, as well as a hand gel.
Enervit is an Italian Nutrition Brand based in Milan, celebrating over 40 years in positive nutrition with products across sport, wellness and snacking. Our business is 100% in-house and the manufacturing plants are on the hills of Lake Como preserving its bonds with the area and the people and supporting industrial development which has is integral part of the mission – to become a leading International Health & Wellness brand supporting everyone’s personal active and fitness goals.
Enervit are Official Nutrition Partners for the Ironman European Series, UAE Pro Cycling Team, TREK Segafredo Pro Cycling team, Dublin Race Series including the Dublin Marathon, Peterborough Marathon, Wicklow 200 sportive and the Ring of Berra sportive.
Enervit‘s nutritional package is worth over £50 and contains a wide selection of nutritional goodies, and includes energy bars, organic bars, protein bars, omega 3, as well as a hand gel.
Advertisement
Enervit is an Italian Nutrition Brand based in Milan, celebrating over 40 years in positive nutrition with products across sport, wellness and snacking. Our business is 100% in-house and the manufacturing plants are on the hills of Lake Como preserving its bonds with the area and the people and supporting industrial development which has is integral part of the mission – to become a leading International Health & Wellness brand supporting everyone’s personal active and fitness goals.
Enervit are Official Nutrition Partners for the Ironman European Series, UAE Pro Cycling Team, TREK Segafredo Pro Cycling team, Dublin Race Series including the Dublin Marathon, Peterborough Marathon, Wicklow 200 sportive and the Ring of Berra sportive.
Always Aim High Events have confirmed that the Snowman Triathlon has been cancelled for 2020 and moved to next year. The Snowdonia-set event had been set for the first weekend of August and follows AAH’s Harlech and Cardiff Triathlons in being moved to 2021.
Advertisement
September’s Sandman in Anglesey and Snowdonia’s Slateman races are still on their race calendar for 2020, and there’s an Always Aim High virtual series of races.
“Thank you to everyone for their continued support since our last update on the impact of COVID-19 on our 2020 events.
Working closely with everyone involved, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Odlo Snowman Triathlon & Duathlon, and the Aqua Sphere Snowman Swims to next year.
As always the health, safety and well-being of everyone at our events is at the heart of everything we do. Our decisions have been based on discussions and with Plas y Brenin, public bodies, sports governing bodies, and other parties, as well as taking note of any official Government guidance. Our priority is to minimise disruption and do everything we practically can to support and protect our athletes, staff, volunteers, spectators and suppliers.
If you have entered the 2020 Odlo Snowman or Aqua Sphere Snowman Swims, you will already have been sent an email giving further information about the options available to you. Currently, all events in our calendar after the Odlo Snowman Triathlon weekend will remain in place. However, we are constantly monitoring the situation and taking advice from all relevant bodies. We will communicate developments as they unfold and will maintain regular contact about the status of our events.
Advertisement
In the meantime, we have been working hard behind the scenes on ways to keep the Always Aim High Community active. Our Virtual Events have been extremely popular helping to keep you active while raising very welcome funds for some amazing local charities. Thank you for your continued support with this not for profit community initiative. Thanks again for all your patience and understanding.”
Always Aim High Events have confirmed that the Snowman Triathlon has been cancelled for 2020 and moved to next year. The Snowdonia-set event had been set for the first weekend of August and follows AAH’s Harlech and Cardiff Triathlons in being moved to 2021.
Advertisement
September’s Sandman in Anglesey and Snowdonia’s Slateman races are still on their race calendar for 2020, and there’s an Always Aim High virtual series of races.
Here’s the statement from the race organisers…
“Thank you to everyone for their continued support since our last update on the impact of COVID-19 on our 2020 events.
Working closely with everyone involved, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Odlo Snowman Triathlon & Duathlon, and the Aqua Sphere Snowman Swims to next year.
As always the health, safety and well-being of everyone at our events is at the heart of everything we do. Our decisions have been based on discussions and with Plas y Brenin, public bodies, sports governing bodies, and other parties, as well as taking note of any official Government guidance. Our priority is to minimise disruption and do everything we practically can to support and protect our athletes, staff, volunteers, spectators and suppliers.
If you have entered the 2020 Odlo Snowman or Aqua Sphere Snowman Swims, you will already have been sent an email giving further information about the options available to you. Currently, all events in our calendar after the Odlo Snowman Triathlon weekend will remain in place. However, we are constantly monitoring the situation and taking advice from all relevant bodies. We will communicate developments as they unfold and will maintain regular contact about the status of our events.
Advertisement
In the meantime, we have been working hard behind the scenes on ways to keep the Always Aim High Community active. Our Virtual Events have been extremely popular helping to keep you active while raising very welcome funds for some amazing local charities. Thank you for your continued support with this not for profit community initiative. Thanks again for all your patience and understanding.”
In sad if unsurprising news, the Ironman Europe team have just announced that early September 2020’s edition of Ironman Wales has been cancelled.
Advertisement
The race, long sold out in 2020 and one of the most popular events on the worldwide Ironman calendar, will next be held in Tenby on 11-12 September 2021. Ironkids Wales is also off until 2021.
Here’s the short statement from Ironman on the cancellation.
“With the health and safety of our community being an utmost priority, and in alignment with Pembrokeshire County Council in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can confirm that IRONMAN Wales and IRONKIDS Wales originally scheduled for the September 5-6 weekend cannot take place in 2020 and will return on September 11-12, 2021. Athletes that are registered for the event are receiving an email with further details.
“While we are prevented from holding the event on the original event date, we are looking forward to providing athletes with an exceptional event experience in the future.”
In sad if unsurprising news, the Ironman Europe team have just announced that early September 2020’s edition of Ironman Wales has been cancelled.
Advertisement
The race, long sold out in 2020 and one of the most popular events on the worldwide Ironman calendar, will next be held in Tenby on 11-12 September 2021. Ironkids Wales is also off until 2021.
Here’s the short statement from Ironman on the cancellation.
“With the health and safety of our community being an utmost priority, and in alignment with Pembrokeshire County Council in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can confirm that IRONMAN Wales and IRONKIDS Wales originally scheduled for the September 5-6 weekend cannot take place in 2020 and will return on September 11-12, 2021. Athletes that are registered for the event are receiving an email with further details.
“While we are prevented from holding the event on the original event date, we are looking forward to providing athletes with an exceptional event experience in the future.”
The triathlon racing calendar may be on hold, but that doesn’t have to mean that competition has to stop. Since April, triathletes have been racing virtual events from back gardens, conservatories and garages around the globe.
Advertisement
While it’ll never match the real thing for enjoyment and satisfaction, virtual racing has plenty of benefits for keeping athletes focussed, helping with training goals and technique refinements, and getting you to use some of that dusty race kit.
As we’ve personally found at 220 via the Ultra X virtual run series this summer, they’re also a massive amount of fun; a (slightly) competitive venture to look forward to at the weekend and a reason to create another WhatsApp group between your mates. And a good excuse for a celebratory glass of your preferred cold tipple on a Saturday night.
CASTLE VIRTUAL SERIES
WHAT A series of three-day weekend events from the Castle Triathlon Series organisers
When The Cheshire Cat 19-21 June; The Kentish Horse 3-5 July
COST £10-20
CHARITY 20% of the entry fee to Macmillan Cancer Support
DISTANCES 40 race types, including Duathlon, Triathlon, Run only, Swim only, Cycle only, Aquabike and Aquathon
WEB ENTRY
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
ALWAYS AIM HIGH EVENTS
WHAT Monthly challenges from the race brand behind the Slateman and Sandman Triathlons
WHEN From 1-30 June
COST £12
CHARITY 20% of the entry fee going to five charities via Always Aim High Community Events
FREE STUFF Bespoke slate coaster and Always Aim High Events buff
DISTANCES
DUATHLON 25km RUN – 100km BIKE
RUN/WALK 25km,50km, 75km, 100km
RUN Half Marathon in 24hrs
CYCLE 100km, 150km, 200km, 250km
KIDS 3km, 5km, 10km
STAIRCASE30 Climb the cumulative height of Mont Blanc (4808m) in 30 days
WEB ENTRY alwaysaimhighevents.com
XTERRA CONNECT SERIES
WHAT Less a virtual race series than a collection of instructive videos on training tips, strength and conditioning advice, and skills tutorials to aid improvements in off-road triathlon performance while Xterra’s race calendar is on hiatus.
WHEN Ongoing
COST Free
WEB INFO www.xterraplanet.com
IRONMAN VC
WHAT Ironman’s Virtual Club is the brand’s hub for virtual racing and information, with the Ironman VR (Virtual Racing) element seeing athletes compete in challenges while earning points. It’s since become the platform for Ironman qualification as well, with 70.3 Worlds slots up-for-grabs via a duathlon race format (cycling is restricted to a stationary bike on the Rouvy platform) on the Ironman VR Championship Series.
Are Ironman’s virtual 70.3 worlds qualifiers a good idea?
WHEN Weekly. Virtual races will begin on Fridays at 6pm (GMT) and close on Sundays at midnight GMT.
COST Free
DISTANCES A range of distances, the 5-7 June Ironman VR10, for example, was a 3km run, 40km bike and 10km run.
WEB ENTRY www.ironmanvirtualclub.com
OUTLAW LOCKDOWN TRIATHLON
WHAT A monthly series of races from the Outlaw Triathlon organisers, OSB, with the aim of involving the whole family as well as Outlaw entrants.
WHEN 30 June 2020
COST Free
DISTANCES Three events are on offer. The Future Outlaw involves one “lap” of swim-specific S&C exercises, an 8km turbo bike and 1.5km run. The Outlaw Sprint is two laps, 25km on the turbo (or 35mins on a bike if no smart trainer) and a 5km run, while the Outlaw Half is three laps, 56km (or 86mins) and a 13km run.
The triathlon racing calendar may be on hold, but that doesn’t have to mean that competition has to stop. Since April, triathletes have been racing virtual events from back gardens, conservatories and garages around the globe.
Advertisement
While it’ll never match the real thing for enjoyment and satisfaction, virtual racing has plenty of benefits for keeping athletes focussed, helping with training goals and technique refinements, and getting you to use some of that dusty race kit.
As we’ve personally found at 220 via the Ultra X virtual run series this summer, they’re also a massive amount of fun; a (slightly) competitive venture to look forward to at the weekend and a reason to create another WhatsApp group between your mates. And a good excuse for a celebratory glass of your preferred cold tipple on a Saturday night.
CASTLE VIRTUAL SERIES
WHAT A series of three-day weekend events from the Castle Triathlon Series organisers
When The Cheshire Cat 19-21 June; The Kentish Horse 3-5 July
COST £10-20
CHARITY 20% of the entry fee to Macmillan Cancer Support
DISTANCES 40 race types, including Duathlon, Triathlon, Run only, Swim only, Cycle only, Aquabike and Aquathon
WEB ENTRY
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
ALWAYS AIM HIGH EVENTS
WHAT Monthly challenges from the race brand behind the Slateman and Sandman Triathlons
WHEN From 1-30 June
COST £12
CHARITY 20% of the entry fee going to five charities via Always Aim High Community Events
FREE STUFF Bespoke slate coaster and Always Aim High Events buff
DISTANCES
DUATHLON 25km RUN – 100km BIKE
RUN/WALK 25km,50km, 75km, 100km
RUN Half Marathon in 24hrs
CYCLE 100km, 150km, 200km, 250km
KIDS 3km, 5km, 10km
STAIRCASE30 Climb the cumulative height of Mont Blanc (4808m) in 30 days
WEB ENTRY alwaysaimhighevents.com
XTERRA CONNECT SERIES
WHAT Less a virtual race series than a collection of instructive videos on training tips, strength and conditioning advice, and skills tutorials to aid improvements in off-road triathlon performance while Xterra’s race calendar is on hiatus.
WHEN Ongoing
COST Free
WEB INFO www.xterraplanet.com
IRONMAN VC
WHAT Ironman’s Virtual Club is the brand’s hub for virtual racing and information, with the Ironman VR (Virtual Racing) element seeing athletes compete in challenges while earning points. It’s since become the platform for Ironman qualification as well, with 70.3 Worlds slots up-for-grabs via a duathlon race format (cycling is restricted to a stationary bike on the Rouvy platform) on the Ironman VR Championship Series.
Are Ironman’s virtual 70.3 worlds qualifiers a good idea?
WHEN Weekly. Virtual races will begin on Fridays at 6pm (GMT) and close on Sundays at midnight GMT.
COST Free
DISTANCES A range of distances, the 5-7 June Ironman VR10, for example, was a 3km run, 40km bike and 10km run.
WEB ENTRY www.ironmanvirtualclub.com
OUTLAW LOCKDOWN TRIATHLON
WHAT A monthly series of races from the Outlaw Triathlon organisers, OSB, with the aim of involving the whole family as well as Outlaw entrants.
WHEN 30 June 2020
COST Free
DISTANCES Three events are on offer. The Future Outlaw involves one “lap” of swim-specific S&C exercises, an 8km turbo bike and 1.5km run. The Outlaw Sprint is two laps, 25km on the turbo (or 35mins on a bike if no smart trainer) and a 5km run, while the Outlaw Half is three laps, 56km (or 86mins) and a 13km run.