An unfair comparison
Of course, this comparison is a bit unfair, after all, Hawaii is not only the birthplace of the Ironman, but also the theater of dreams of all triathletes. Hawaii is a myth. Point.
Nevertheless, the organizer is apparently considering rotating the location of the World Cup in the future. That could be heard clearly between the lines at the press conference on Thursday, when clear questions afterwards were answered evasively. In October there will be another World Championships in Hawaii, then the women’s and men’s races will be spread over different days. If the small island can handle this logistically, the future there would probably be secured, otherwise there is apparently a real threat of permanent relocation. Actually a no-go for the scene.
Back to the output in St George in Utah on Saturday. She is the replacement for the canceled race last year. It’s the 2021 World Cup, so to speak. And yet some top-class players will not be at the start, the defending champion and superstar Jan Frodeno is missing, as is ex-world champion Patrick Lange. The two would have made the field vibrate here, but are injured. The cancellations will have hurt you, but it will be alleviated by the fact that the next opportunity will be available in October.
Decimated field of participants among women
The women’s field in particular has shrunk, there will be a good 20 starters. That’s not really much. Anne Haug, the German defending champion, also sees an appeal in this. After such a long break from the World Championships, nobody knows how to assess the competition, which could make the race extremely exciting.
And yet this World Cup edition will certainly not go down in the history books as a myth shrouded in legend, although myths are such a thing in the thoroughly commercialized business of the umbrella brand.
Extreme conditions
But Utah will be able to score with its breathtaking scenery and an extremely challenging course. It starts with swimming. The lake is currently around 15 degrees, so Anne Haug will even stuff a plastic bag under her neoprene suit. 15 degrees, that’s very cold. In addition, unpredictable winds occasionally roar across the water. According to sports show information, those responsible in St. George have been seriously discussing various scenarios since the middle of the week, from shortening to canceling swimming.
The wind will also be an issue on the bike, and the route is very hilly and extremely difficult. And the marathon is also often up and down, until then 30 degrees are expected. “This World Cup offers a high level of excitement, I am enthusiastic about the routes”, says Sportschau commentator Dirk Froberg. Utah is definitely a good location for this one time, “but then please go back to Hawaii”.
For the many age group athletes who enrich a World Cup, the transfer to St. George was a big problem. For them, most of whom aren’t fighting for victory but for getting there, Hawaii is the place they long for. Not a World Cup per se.
Utah deserves a chance
In addition, the Central Europeans should have trained more in winter, which is actually not feasible for amateur athletes. And so the numbers of age group athletes from Europe have shrunk, even big incentives from the organizer had little effect.
Many will therefore follow the event from home, the breathtaking pictures from the canyon, the exciting race of a balanced starting field. It’s not Hawaii, no question. But somehow this World Cup in Utah still deserves its chance.