Triathlon sponsorship

littlemsfickle

Hey does anybody know how you would go about becoming a sponsored athlete? Do you have to apply to places like Base 2 Race or do they approach you when you've had some good results?

Bambaata

My guess would be the sponsored athlete got to know the stores on a somewhat personal level and was obviously at the top few or at least heading in that direction (although there are exceptions). Then there are some people who just have an interest in sport ion general and are in a position to help someone they might know to some extent even outside the sport. I have heard of others just sending their 'cv' around with a convincing cover letter. I managed to get a small amount once a few years back when cadually chatting with somoeone about how ridiculous the itu ag races are and the expenses involved. I never for a second thought this guy would help me out but it was extremely helpful and I made sure what I got went into kit/gear, expenses for the race. I was lucky as he just has a massive interest in every sport. I had just started out at the time and it helped a lot! Wish I could chat to a few more like him ;-) twud go a long way to a bike that actually fits me!

littlemsfickle

Yeah, it's pretty expensive to compete on an international level - with buying the Ireland try suit, entry fees and travel and accommodation. As a student like I just couldn't afford the trip to New Zealand next year for the world championships even though I would be eligible to compete in my age group. I applied for a sports scholarship from my college this year but it's kind of a catch 22 situation - they said I would need to be competing in international events, but I can't afford to do this without funding. Some lads in my cycling club asked if I'd had any sponsorship offers after the season, so I was just wondering how this would work - whether they approach you or vice versa.

tunney

littlemsfickle wrote: »

Yeah, it's pretty expensive to compete on an international level - with buying the Ireland try suit, entry fees and travel and accommodation. As a student like I just couldn't afford the trip to New Zealand next year for the world championships even though I would be eligible to compete in my age group. I applied for a sports scholarship from my college this year but it's kind of a catch 22 situation - they said I would need to be competing in international events, but I can't afford to do this without funding. Some lads in my cycling club asked if I'd had any sponsorship offers after the season, so I was just wondering how this would work - whether they approach you or vice versa.

Very very little sponsorship for AG racing. People not really that interested in sponsoring AG athletes and to be honest I'd tend to agree with them. ITU and ETU AG races are cash cows to offset the cost of running the Elite races.

(Exceptions being the long and middle AG athletes who can place highly in majorinternational events and generate huge publicity for their sponsors. Finishing 5th in M25-29 just don't have the same appeal I'd imagine.)

The college probably meant international *elite* racing not AG racing I'd imagine

littlemsfickle

tunney wrote: »

Very very little sponsorship for AG racing. People not really that interested in sponsoring AG athletes and to be honest I'd tend to agree with them. ITU and ETU AG races are cash cows to offset the cost of running the Elite races.

(Exceptions being the long and middle AG athletes who can place highly in majorinternational events and generate huge publicity for their sponsors. Finishing 5th in M25-29 just don't have the same appeal I'd imagine.)

The college probably meant international *elite* racing not AG racing I'd imagine

Eh, I doubt all the students they offer scholarships to are elite/professional athletes....actually I'm sure they're not. They are just people who compete in international events (e.g. European track championships - that sort of thing). And I would be aiming for overall placings not age group placings (20-24 age group isn't hugely competitive, especially for females). I had a few wins this season, including some NS races, in my first year so I would be hoping to improve on that in the next few years.

peter kern

Dave what would you say if she was the "real deal" ( at least at Irish level)

peter kern

littlemsfickle wrote: »

Yeah, it's pretty expensive to compete on an international level - with buying the Ireland try suit, entry fees and travel and accommodation. As a student like I just couldn't afford the trip to New Zealand next year for the world championships even though I would be eligible to compete in my age group. I applied for a sports scholarship from my college this year but it's kind of a catch 22 situation - they said I would need to be competing in international events, but I can't afford to do this without funding. Some lads in my cycling club asked if I'd had any sponsorship offers after the season, so I was just wondering how this would work - whether they approach you or vice versa.

ps there is way more international races the european in eilat (israel ) in mid april the itu long distance champs end july in vitoria spain the duathlon world in nancy end of september so you have 3 international races in europe.

tunney

peter kern wrote: »

Dave what would you say if she was the "real deal" ( at least at Irish level)

So someone who's a top age grouper but never going to be an "elite"?

Definitely scope to get some money I'd imagine but I feel would have to be top age grouper overall rather than just winning their age group.

Let's be honest most "triathletes" aren't interested in the elite side of things, never mind the pointy end of age group racing. And no interest means no money.

one of your long distance athletes is a prime example of the appeal of a top age group racer. But let's be honest really the sponsorship and romance is in long course not short course for age group racing.

peter kern

one should never look short sited Dave I am only 99% sure who that lady is and I can tell you that she has serious talent from what i have seem and can do all 3.

peter kern

anyway my real interst coming here was to find out if you had passed the 10000 post marker ( i see you are only half way ;-)

Notwitch

Is the french club league an outlet for people like this - particularly a student?

peter kern

Unfortunately not the entry deadline for teams was end of november,
and to be honest right now there is only 2 females in Ireland that have the level for the french league.
french league is more difficult than Itu continental cups.

german bundeslige would be more feasible.

BTH

peter kern wrote: »

right now there is only 2 females in Ireland that have the level for the french league.

Who Who Who???