An interesting (although widely-anticipated) announcement last night that IMG is to lose the rights to stage Ironman triathlon, with that option taken up by the WTC (World Triathlon Corporation).

IMG run three IM-branded races in Oz - Ironman Oz, Ironman WA and Geelong 70.3.

I wonder what changes (if any) we will see as a result of this move?

Apart from a wholesale change of personnel at these races, of course, which may be a bit of a wrench.

Muz

If IMG own the events then they will still go ahead with IMG running them. They will just not be able to be branded Ironman races maybe. Although "ironman" is now a generic term for the distance and you would not think that they could restrict the use of it that easilly. It probably means no entry spots for Ironman Hawaii.

that is very likely the issue, which will have consequancies, those hopeful to qualify for Hawai, will have to look elsewhere and save the race and money, which will make the IMG races just extremely overprized funtris.

IMG don't own the races...they just had the licence from WTC...time is up and was not renewed ??
won't be much change to average joe at race
Hawaii spots should be same although more now to Busso than previous - a few less at Port.

Steve - the Ironman brand is fairly well guarded - the M dot is well monitored.

The only triathlons around the world that use the name "Ironman" are those that are licensed to do so by WTC. I expect any race director who attempted to use the Ironman name or logo without reaching some financial arrangement with WTC, would recieve some letters from WTC's lawyers.

Look at Roth, formerly Ironman Germany before the race parted company with WTC. Same distance, same race but no Ironman brandname.

I doubt there will be any seismic changes in Aust as a result of IMG's lack of involvement. I'm sure Port and Busso will continue as races in pretty much the same way, M dot, Hawaii slots and all. WTC wants the the Ironman brandname to be global. They are not going to leave Aust off the map with two well established, well run and well supported events.

I really don't think IMG will continue to persevere with rival IM-distance races in Oz, as it has already been proved that there are not enough athletes to support too many races of that magnitude. The lure of Hawaii is too great to commit to other punishingly long races in a crowded tri calendar. IMG have enough business nous to recognise a loss-maker when they see one, and so won't go head to head with IM brand.

Kandingo is right that there won't be much impact on the average Joe Agegrouper here, apart from (perhaps) the loss of popular RD Ken Baggs and some of his well-established team. Some of these people have been involved in the sport in Australia since the inception of Ironman here in 1985, and have grown with the sport. Their iinvolvement will be missed if they decide to part ways with Ironman.

The big question that will affect your average racer is - will Ironman Oz continue to be based in Port Macquarie (or indeed NSW) if there is a change in management?

M

Any rumblings around your neck of the woods, Muzman?

I reckon Ken will be involved. WTC would be just plain stupid to try and put in a new RD, volo co-ordinator etc etc for the race.

Major concern is where it is going to be??? Now where's my crystal ball

It depends on how much longer Ken wants the gig. He not going to do it forever and I'm sure Glenda wouldn't be shedding tears of blood if he (ie they) packed it in.

No - very quiet on the rumbling front.

But the rumours about Gold Coast just won't go away.

M