Triggering recent debate in pro triathlon circles, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) has confirmed its new qualifying policy for professional Ironman athletes. This policy will come into effect from 1 September 2010, and all pro athletes wishing to qualify for the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, will be eligible.
The new qualifying policy has been developed to account for the growth in Ironman events worldwide. Based on qualifying points rather than spots, according to WTC, the new policy has been designed with the following objectives in mind:
• To ensure that the ‘best of the best’ are at the start line in Kona
• To create a racing environment conducive to exciting and tactical competition
• To allow for the development of the next generation of pro athletes
Ironman pro liaison and former World Champion, Heather Fuhr said, “The Pro Policy was developed with input from our professional athletes and we feel it will bring a heightened level of interest to our qualifying process throughout the entire competitive season.”
Pro rankings will be regularly updated and available to athletes, media and fans through the www.ironmanpromembership.com site.
“The availability of easily understood and current rankings will build the media and public following of the sport, much like the FedExCup Points or Formula One World Champion points do throughout the season,” added LAVA Magazine publisher, John Duke.
