Starting immediately, all new users must be approved by a moderator (due to spam issues). #sworry
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If you are a pro triathlete, please click here to DM AaronWebstey for access to the 'Pros-only' private forum. Don't forget to include your real name, and a link to pro race result would be great if you're a 1st-year pro.
I saw Maggie Rusch's recent blog post that she decided to paint over a sponsors logo on her race kit for St George. Pretty sure you can make out the logo (even though its a really good paint job). http://www.ruschracing.com/rusch-racing/
I was also recently speaking with someone regarding race day nutrition and they mentioned BASE salts. There words were " I don't care for the company at all, but the product works for racing" and then we kind of moved on without me asking detail.
Etap is awesome. I installed it on my 2008 p2c (same bike as the speedy Mr. Ben Real Starky). My training wheels were only 10sp compatible so I bought the Edco Monoblock 11spd. It works great on both training wheels and race wheels. Very easy to switch back and forth. As far as the Etap goes, it really does make a difference in your riding experience. Being able to shift from the base bars makes a huge difference, even if you ride primarily on the trainer or flat roads. The shifting is flawless and very easy to tune and make micro adjustments.
I know I'll come off as trying to sell you something, but I bought all my gear at TriSports.com. Use the link mbsy.co/trisports/skeller and code SHARE15 gets you started. Then if you're smart about how you purchase things, you will earn reward points. So you can buy the etap, get a bunch of reward points. Then use those reward points to buy the Monoblock. Then use those reward points to buy the new chain, handlebar tape, etc.
And for anybody on the east coast who uses TriSports.com, use the standard shipping method, it usually takes 2-3 business days anyway (no need to pay extra).
The 2nd and 3rd stage rolling starts were a unique idea, especially the 3rd stage after climbing that incline. Overall, I thought the entire format was great for the fans and TV.
Do you look at your profession as creating a brand for yourself?
Do you think that social media, online presence/blogging, podcast appearances, etc. affect the way that sponsors value you? Or do you think they value winning/race performance over brand?
As a consumer/fan of the sport, I personally think the brand of an athlete definitely influences my attention. I'm not sure if it particularly influences my spending, maybe on a subconscious level. But I feel like I pay closer attention to you and several others who stay present within the inter web, versus others who are relatively quiet but may have a more 'mature' race resume.