bigjoe

Have to agree. 2 cycling races for the year in gauteng, 3 including satellite. You wont even get your team fees back, let alone the max spend of R12000 that they brag about. No triathlon events. Such a huge let down after the initial hype. Thanks but no thanks. Will stay with my existing clubs....and at least have the opportunity to cycle, run with a group.

Agreed. Just a pity that things like this come up after the initial launch and hype. We have decided to renew our licences with our existing cycling and running clubs for now. If it is possible and worth while, then perhaps we will join Team Vitality as well. But will have to look at it in February after the launch and take it from there.

According to one of the T's & C's for the refund is that you need to race in their kit. Due to the fact that races will open before they launch, you will be able to claim the refund if you "You can race in a temporary license in a white shirt according to ASA rules, this is meant to be validated by race marshals. " I assume that this is for running events. there are no mention of what you need to do for cycle races and triathlons. I think the best is to wait for the launch and then see what the process is. Also, see whether you can get cash back for already done races. Originally it seemed like an awesome deal, even if you had joined your existing club and Team Vitality. But this doesnt seem to be the case anymore. But lets see what happens at the end of Jan. I was definitely consering it for triathlon events, as the entry fees are high compared to running and cycling....but not sure about the practicality of using their kit that they have available.

The last correspondence I received. Think i am just going to wait for the launch.... Dear Johan, Sorry for the delayed response. With many people away, process will be back to 100% from next week, more information will be released next week. Team Vitlaity will be launched later this month with the race calendar. You can race in a temporary license in a white shirt according to ASA rules, this is meant to be validated by race marshals. Kind regards, Team Vitality /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Hi, Thanks for the reply. Sorry for all the question. Just trying to finalise our existing club memberships and licence fees. One of the “T’s & C’s” mentioned becomes very difficult.... You race in your Team Vitality shirt How will this be enforced and validated? This also means that we will not qualify for events until such time that the shirts have been distributed. That in effect means that all events in January and potentially February will no longer be eligible. Can you perhaps advise if any triathlon events like, Ironman, Ironman 70.3 and 5150 events are also on the list? Thanks once again for all the help, it is much appreciated. Regards, Johan

Agreed. And I fully support what they are trying to achieve. however, something like having to wear the kit is not always practically and I personally think very difficult to enforce. I dont mind wearing their kit where it is practical as ultimately it is a win win situation for both parties. Let's see what happens after the launch and hopefully we all get some cash back.

The Spec Savers shirt was a thin sleevless shirt. With pockets. It is something that was suitable for a long endurance event. Yes, it wasn't the best quality but pratically it was something that you could use. The Vitality team kit will be a full on cycling shirt, or a running vest depending on which club you join. I personally dont see myself cycling and running in a cyling shirt. The opposite is also try, i dont see myself cycling in a running vest. Hope that this makes sense.

From my understanding based on discussions, but still waiting for confirmation, you will get cash back on all triathlon events that are listed on their calender. You can join their running or cycling to qualify. No need to join both. however, your TSA licence will be for your own account. Whereas you would get a CSA or running license depending on which club you join. Having said that, there is still a T&C up in the air about having to wear the kit to qualify for the cash back. This is a problem for me personally as i wont be doing that at any triathlon...

perfect, will log my Kudu's 15 today

Will do.

My point exactly. Thats is why i asked how they would enforce this....as not all races have photos that you could use as proof. From the original list it seemed like triathlons were also part of their calendar. People mostly use tri suits...so I wont be using their kit in those events either. Just a pity that they launched the product and built the hype. We are now in a situation where we need to renew....but trying to hang on to see what is happening with the launch.

This is based on email feedback that i received from them... see extract below. It is therefore something that i received from them in writing and not something that was misinterprested via a phone call. You will receive cash backs for events you have already registered for, provided that: · It is on the Team Vitality race calendar · The race is completed · You have not reached the quarterly spend limit of R3 000 · You race in your Team Vitality shirt Some more questions from me directed to team vitality Thanks for the reply. Sorry for all the question. Just trying to finalise our existing club memberships and licence fees. One of the “T’s & C’s” mentioned becomes very difficult.... You race in your Team Vitality shirt How will this be enforced and validated? This also means that we will not qualify for events until such time that the shirts have been distributed. That in effect means that all events in January and potentially February will no longer be eligible. after posing the questions I received a response that they will egt back to me.....but all details will be made public with the launch at the end of January.

Seems like they are sending out a standard response, and not really answering the questions that are being asked. Our running club and cycling club licences are up for renewal. But now we are waiting for Discovery to finalise. Not very organised which is a pity. Just hope that we will still be able to qualify for the points on the events if you dont belong to the vitality team

You wont get a refund. Asked them the same question, cause IronMan 70.3 is at the end of Jan as well as a few other races. One of the t'c & c's is that you need to wear the vitality kit to be eligible for the cash back. With registration only opening end of January, you will only get your shirt mid February. Waiting for a reply from them on more questions.

This is Awesome news. Checked the list posted earlier and all triathlons organised by the guys from IM is on there. Thats atleast R5000 back in 4 races. That's not even looking at cycle and running races...

I think what is most frustrating about the shirts for me is the fact that i have seen the dissappointment 1st hand! 1st year I got a great shirt at 70.3 and Full. My wife was enveous due to the fact that she didnt finish her event due to dehydration! She worked her butt off to get that finishers shirt in 2013....to wear it with pride. And what happens, The shirt looks great but washes out. So, her shirt is lying in the cupboard.....dissapointed that she doesnt have one to wear. Promises that it will be better quality in 2014. And what happens.....she gets a shirt thats 5 sizes to big due to the fact that they dont make ladies specific cuts... To me that is crappy! Yes, some people dont give a crap about the shirt, others do and they wear it with pride. I for one still wear my 70.3 and Full IMSA shirtt with pride!!

Agree, for the past 2 years they had ladies shirts. this year only mens! My wife ordered her size (M) based on ladies sizes.....and got stuck with a mens large. 5 sizes to big for her!!!

I must agree. The finisher shirt from 3 years ago was a decent quality. Still wear my finishers shirt from 2011. Last year was terrible. Washed out after the 1st wash. Lying in the cupboard. This years shirt was fine after the 1st wash....but the quality is pathetic. 5150 shirts are so much better. Run with mine....but there is no ways that i will run with my 70.3 shirt.

Happy with my day in the saddle. Managed a 2:40. The 2nd lap was great fun, gives a different perspective to the event. Sat next to road eating a boerie, had a beer on the N14! Still managed a 3:15 (riding time)....probably a 4hr cycle in total. I take my hat off to the back markers.....it was very hot on the highway! Recorded a max of 38 degrees! Think my challenge next year will be to help my wife with a sub 3... Well done to everyone.

Perfect, thanks. Will try that when i phone them. Are there any limitiations in terms of doing races?

Stupid question with regards to insurance through Outsurance for those who are with them. Are your bikes insured under racing or road bikes? I have my car and household with Outsurance, but my bike with Momentum due to the fact that outsurance is double the price. This is under racing. Not sure how they classify racing vs road bikes

Happy b'day Garf! Hope your present makes us all happy

I think read up on it and then make a decision. I know they do a weekend course in the main cities once a month. Never more than 8 people in the group, and it is over a weekend. Hands on drills. i have never used any swimming aids (pool bouy, paddles etc).....hence the fect that i would rather go and swim 1500m in a dam....more exciting.

Hey Milky See the website for total immersion. http://www.totalimmersionsa.co.za/ I did the course 2 years ago before my 1st 70.3 and Full IM. I have never felt more comfortable in the water. I know of 2 people that never learnt to swim....literally could not get into the water. Did the course and 4 months later they finished 70.3 swim well within cut-off. At the same time i know someone that bought the DVD and is still struggling. i would suggest, if you have the cash to go for the course. But, i dont want to promise you any miracles. I find that i can go without swim training....and focus on the bike and run as i am comfortable in the water now. The only time i swim now is in open water over a weekend, as i find the pool boring. Gives me more time to improve my bike and run during the week.....an rest at night when i am tired. Read up and make up your own mind. I went to a swim coach for 3 months....and they told me I am fine....but still battled doing more than a few laps. did the course over a weekend and i love the swim now. Good luck!

I must agree with Blacksmith - Total Immersion. 2 Day course and i have never looked back. Best money i have ever spent. Battled to swim 3 laps without being out of breath and being tired. went for the course and within a few weeks i was swimming 1km without much effort. Done 5 swims since 70.3 this year, and i swam the swim leg of 5150 without any issues on sunday....which was apparently over 2km's! Teaches you basics....and how to be more comfortable in the water. Read up on it...or let me know if you need more info.