ChallengeCapeTown

Morning, Yesterday the office was in a meeting with the Mayor and hence the office was closed. Chances to meet with the Mayor over the race are far and few between. With other major events being cancelled/postponed in Cape Town of late, Saracens, Cape Town Bike festival amongst other the City is in a change period and there are changes and procedure which affect when we can go to announcement. Ultimately the City has its processes and we have to work within that. So when the City is ready to make an announcement then that is when that will happen and given the time of the year, the earliest will be mid-Jan 2012. With regards to Marketing Manager title, I simply responded to the email from our Marketing Managers email address as she was off sick. With regards to taking money and buying Christmas gifts. Apart from not having children, am afraid, my nearest and dearest won't be getting any gifts and personally not stepped foot inside shopping store for clothes or the like in the last 12 months. For those who actually have been working with us as partner/sponsor or in the office know where things really are at. We have sent an email last week to the athletes giving an open and honest update. If that is misconstrued as lies then there is not much more we can comment on. The capital investments for the race were already made and clearly having to re-gear the business going forward takes time. It is neither a straightforward process or quick. So there is little point in committing to refunds if we not working to that end.

Garfield, do you want an Argus entry?

Morning All, Garfield raised a point about the half. There is definitely merits in his thinking, but there are factors beyond just his points which make it impossible just to do the half. But we have been looking at a number of points in that regard. There have various comments with regards to Hermanus, and a bunch of other suggestions. Bottom line is our sponsors are involved conditionally in racing in CT. Yes,we have been fortunate that the sponsors see the longer picture which this race is and we accept it will take time to build trust. Refunds: We have had to wait for the final amounts due from payment provider and in there are two collections processes form the credit card companies which take 4-6 week respectively. Additionally we have had to put in other measures which have taken a little longer than planned to so we can conclude all refunds to put our efforts into 2012. We as anxious to close this out as you guys. An joint announcement will be happening in the week for the CoCT. Yours in Tri, Grant

Hi All, Guys if we don't race we don't have a business, so the option of postponing again is simply not on the cards... So if we have 300 numbers then so be it, but naturally we hope the athletes given that we put the confirmed routes, etc up signed off from the City of Cape Town then more will come and enjoy what we working our backsides off for, a special race in a pretty special location. As with any business, it typically takes three years before they make a profit, our now took a setback, if you don't trade in year 1, you can't trade in future years. We have taken a very long view on this going forward. Sincerely hope that answers that side of things once and for all. Our partners, sponsors and City of Cape Town definitely see a bigger future. With regards to half,s and the like, yes it is a Challenge thing but when we get all our thoughts in place for this we will let everyone know. We had alot of requests for this and we know Challenge as a format has been very successful with this format and is key feature of Challenge races. I can say we concluded a meeting with the City of Cape Town this morning that reconfirms Challenge and City of Cape Town as partners for 2012 and beyond. We have some groundwork before we make any announcements in this regard but we working that by end of November we can make announcements. As stated, CoCT is a beast which works at its own speed and so we at maximum putting the pieces of the revised puzzle. We also busy with some exciting sponsor arrangements to look at in detail. Will keep all posted, but for the moment we head down working to get these items in place to ensure 2012 meets expectation all round. Grant

Hi Texas Ranger, No need to me. Just inbox is running consistently at 500 emails a day. But will endeavor to as a minimum to responses back to all. Point taken. thanks Grant

Hi Domestique, Ensuring we don't have routes which will change and clarity on the management of them. People want to race in CT that is a given, but up to us to ensure we I've them confidence in the routes agreed. With that up front, should give the athletes the confidence they need. Ultimately, it was an issues of giving parity for age-groupers and pro's, not one different form the other. Alot of people have been able to claim back through travel insurance or failing that through their credit card companies. All our sponsors have recommitted and in fact got two news ones, so they are see the race as a great additional potential for success, so hope the athletes do aswell. As stated previously, CT is complex but beautiful, it would be dead easy to take a lesser/easier location but know there is something here the athletes will love and we will have to deal with the Class 2011 one by one in winning their confidence back. Rollers have been good, so know it is working. At the end of the day, the athletes need to decide if they want more then just one iron-distance race and brand. Variety is spice of life and given a chance we know the athletes will love what Challenge do. Rest I am afraid is out of hands except to put on a great race. Grant

Hi All, We are processing refunds steadily guys. We had two payment systems to work through and they spoke different languages to each other and we have had to do things manually across the two, as there are more than just the race fee, it is the sub costings and prices like TSA day licences, pasta additional items, separating relay from solo, 4:18:4. In addition in getting monies back where we can given that shirts, etc have all been ordered and getting new dates, technical debrief's with COCT concluded in order to get new dates for 2012 and route conclusions. Last but not least, we might have a title sponsor going forward... So PROMISE we are on the case, please bear with us. Yours in Tri, Grant

Hi All, Put simply we never were planning shutting down the whole of Cape Town. Not only for a first time event would that be incredibly arrogant but ignorant. Coned lane closures allow for racing to happen and still for the City to function but to give the athletes the best of CT in a safe manner. The City understand the potential this has, locally and intentionally, and that first Oceans Marathon had a 100 athletes, so hence the agreement is long term. Rome was not built in a day and for us to reach the goals we have will take some time. Remember we not measuring ourselves against IM, we measuring ourselves against ourselves with the events we have, Copenhagen Roth, Barcelona, Cairns, etc who all have relays, halfs and full distance racing one the same weekend. Yes, it is different to IM but is a successful recipe, it might take a little to bed down in SA, but that is fine. This no doubt will change over time, and hence these projects are long term. People need to remember where IM started from humble numbers and beginnings.

Hi there, Please remember that Challenge does things a little differently to IM and putting a half on the same day is a well trodden and used path for Challenge events. If you have any doubts please speak to the Challenge Henley and Cairns guys. As said, we have learnt and will more time to realize Challenge 2012.

Hi there, Unfortunately each site has it challenges and getting buy in from all the residents for the all day/night commentating and music would require its own challenges. Was considered, but long term is not the solution as site will be too small and aforesaid resident issues. We want this to be something that grows and changing venues then goes against the basics of that growth as you want residents to adopt and grow with the race as residents as bigger consideration as lane closures, and the other aspects we need and like in tri. Win the residents over, then long term the success and growth of the race become alot easier and helps with sponsorship, etc.

Yes, route was approved in principle before we went to launch. It was what took so long to get launch. This normal to get agreement in principle and look to get into details. IM Wales launched without a route and did not publish one until two weeks or so before race day. Naturally the City and ourselves would not go to launch without an agreement in principle on the route. One needs to remember any event in cape Town is only given final sign-off just prior to the event. We might have to change that a little now going forward with the City.

Not at this point. Lots of factors to consider.. Let me know your thoughts on dates. But we definitely doing a half with the full in 2012.

Hi Zula, Many thanks, yes been tough but we getting chin up and got to dust ourselves off. We stacking around because we love this damn sport and want the best course. No question. Perhaps your response is more telling than you realize. It is very clear what we have in black and white. It is execution of that becomes the issue and as you say misinterpretation. As said, it is clear on we moving forward from this. Thanks for the fair space to comment appropriately. Grant

Hi Bradwentzel, Yes Durban was actually approached first, but lack of response moved us to CT which were open arms for it. All the recent pain aside we stand by that it is the right City for the full. Can't say alot at this point but discussions with Durban have ongoing for sometime. Timings, etc all need to resolved and naturally a few lessons applied in CT taken there.

Great news! We will do a half at the same time next on the same day, so maybe in for that??

Hi Gadget, We can't use the canals simply too small and impractical for race trim. But the harbour is a good option but again we need buy in from numerous partners on this. We will work to make it happen. Harbour gives us a different benefits and avoids us having to deal with residents adjacent to Ocean Power Boat Club for noise exception certificates for the swim and rest of the days activities.

Hi TNT1. Points raised are valid. Think there is the perception that cycling and triathlon are the same thing. They not, neither are the athletes and neither the manner in which they race or road closures/lane closures are handled. This is the lessons going for forward for the respective parties involved as the guy at the back means as much to us as the guy in the front.

Hi Davem, Gripen, All totally valid points. All of which were why the routes evolved to actually accommodate those concerns, naturally from athletes and EO side in terms of management. 1. Swim definitely has evolved to a better solution after numerous test runs. Next year we pushing to do the swim in the harbour. Has great spectator value. 2. In terms of route and spectator value, we liked the long 180km loop initially as spectators could watch at different points and different times around the city as opposed one long day as it is new to CT, and think it will take a few years for the locals to get iron-distance appetite to support the athletes for such a long day. But on balance, it has alot of merits but not the best solution. Winds pointed noted aswell. 3. Marshalling would have actually moved around in the original configuration so to that end was workable. But make no mistake marshalling CT and PE are different types of marshalling required. We are required to use marshalls that have experience and know the routes. Laws are changing to place more focus on use of marshalling to reduce traffic officials due to stretch on traffic resources, costs and then ultimate ability to do an event effectively. CCT will be using the same people who marshall the Cycle Tour and Oceans, but remember these are events that have been around a long time with established big partners. CCT needs time to get there, but we have the same partners who work Cycle and Oceans and all see the potential going forward. All in all, a deep brains trust pool, but all agree that iron-distance racing is a different kettle of fish and needs to treated accordingly. 4. Technical support: in the original route, it got progressively more spread out but manageable over the distance. But yes on balance in the new configurations that element is much improved. 5. Wind. With route not being now False Bay side that removes that element from the equation. Yes, a good reason is why we do it in November before South-Easter decides it needs to remind us that mother nature still rules the roost in CT. Another reason why the races not in Jan/Feb or March due to wind and CT heat which would be another factor. So our windows for doing the race was chosen on those factors. 6. Yes, agreed, but remember a single lap 180km course gives one a chance to follow the athlete which is really fantastic. This happens in Kona as an example and does make the day shorter being able to follow your athlete in an incredible landscape. The new course has both elements, ability to follow but also loops in peninsula. Again, a looped scenario as in IM SA which we probably on balance all favour and has massive benefits in spectator value, costs, marshalling, etc is really difficult as then does mean a total width road closure as opposed to coned lane closure which is not as disruptive and can be managed. If CT was not the visited City it is, job might be a bit easier in that respect. It is your evaluation is the exact reason why we did not proceed. If the compromises for the athlete age-grouper in particular become to great the event is diluted and doesn't meet what we all want and expect. You bright side view is the reason why we going to take the pain now as we believe that this has capacity to the be the most scenic and one we all proud of. It is pretty much the only thing which keeps us going, because one needs to stand by their convictions if they are justified enough. Just sometimes special locations spring up surprises and need a little more time. If we wanted average we could easily put this on the various locations asking us to. It was stance for the age groupers that ultimately lead to the decision. As you say, it age groupers which make the race not pro's. I stand by my decision on that. In terms of entry and approval. Think we share same sentiment. It will be there, be rest assured. An announcement will be jointly made by the City and ourselves in the coming weeks and we take things from there. Thanks for a very considered and well thought out set of suggestions and input. All will be taken on board to make the best race we can on the planet. Gripen your points are spot on. We wanted to do alot of these things, but for year 1 was not possible. We will introduce a half on the same day for 2012 and this will help on that side with attracting more spectators. We would dearly love to cycle into Cape Point and was something we explored but not possible in the end. Give us a few years and who knows. But as you say, CT attracts alot more work than simply a looped course as it has so much and why the race will be a success here. But we learning how to unlock all of those things in a co-ordinated manner before and at race week time. Please send any other ideas to grant@challengecapetown.com. Can't promise we get them all in but will be working to do as much practical. Great thing is that I think the race will evolve and every year offer something new for everybody. Thanks again for your comments. Grant

Hi SwissVan, You hit the nail on the head. We really didn't want this and want to make the best event for you guys. It why we do it!! This is not a straightforward City and sometimes the best things take a little longer than planned or expected. Be rest assured this will be a very special race.

Hi SteveCT, The route at launch was a route in principle agreed by all at launch. The route was to tie in with development aspects with the City. The Muizenburg aspect coupled with Kalk Bay roadworks put that section out and plan moved more peninsula driven, simpler, safer. The rolling road closure was a solution for that route and even something something that is used on argus when last athletes is gone, roads then open up again. Ultimately, coned lane closures are the most pragmatic solution for the race due to impact on tourism, residents, etc. It is ensuring that the pro and age grouper get same unhindered racing line is the crux of this. We and even with the stick we getting that this can be a special race, this is a setback and yes some lessons have been learnt. We want a great race as much as the athletes, it is why we do it.

Hi LuckyLuke, Coned lane closures for the race. There was never an attempt to get full Argus style road closures for the event. Given the distance coned land closure would give the athlete the best course over the 180km as looped closures are not possible.

Hi Lizbet, The initial route did evolve due to ongoing road works in Kalk Bay and as you say concerns over managing over such a distance. The first 45km meant that the athletes we only two hours apart two manage and large by the time you get to the peninsula. Nonethless, much simpler solutions we worked through and ultimately resolved but critically ensuring equal racing line for the age groupers as the pro was most important. Short lapped solution which typically work in tri are not as easy to solve in the cape Town context. We taking the lessons learnt, feedback to create the best race we can for the athletes.

Hi Warrior, Would love to laps and was one of the solutions tabled. Unfortunately contraflow and the road closure that would be required as a result of contraflow on the bike was not a solution that was accepted. In tri terms yes it is a great solution with loads of benefits but the implications are that you need then a full road rather than coned lane closure and given CT is a well visited City the compromise on that solution too much. The run through the City was out, as much as we want to get to experience all the City on the run, the practicalities of marshaling over such a long distance as well added risks, tired athletes, etc. The is a very short and simple lapped solution waterfront and promenade based. You been at Roth which is fantastic. Now you know where we would like to sit and if this is a setback in getting there, then so be it. We are all disappointed and believe me, we fighting to give the athletes the best otherwise we would not be doing it. Will make 2012 worth it. Grant

Hi Onetrackmind, Yes, you are correct the Argus has to fight for their closures every year. The cycle at launched was a route in principle agreed with the City. Following launch the route evolved to one which took into account road works in Kalk Bay and a ultimately a different philosophy to how the cycling would be managed. Not rolling road closures but rather coned lane/road closures. The tricky bits come back on return into town and contra flow cycling which is norm elsewhere is not considered appropriate in our case. Just getting Chappies closed for the day for athletes is no mean achievement given we not mass participation in the same sense as Argus. So we are fighting to bring the very best for the triathletes. This requires a bit more ingenuity. we learning from this and will be back stronger in the 2012. We want to race as much as you do. Grant

Hi Zula, Yes the City arranges a number of events as we all know. The complexities of the CT's landscape are the the reasons why we want to be here but on the flip side creates untold challenges given the distance involved. 180km is a different beast to 110km of the Argus. Yes, it would be dead easy to put it in Big Bay or another destination who we have had plenty asking for it. But like yourself agree that racing in the peninsula is something we would all love in race trim. Ultimately the age grouper needs the same unhindered racing line as the pro and an in there lies the rub. Iron-distance triathlon cannot be treated the same as Argus, Oceans and the like. This is a long term investment as we believe this race will sit in the top bracket of races worldwide and one which the south africans will love. This is a setback, no doubt but if for the longer term benefit to give the athlete what is required no compromises then that is the pain we have to take for now. Yes, we are feeling the pain. We love to go racing aswell! We have not pointed a finger at the City at all and no need to. It has been a complex journey and many lessons learnt, but ultimately will serve to make 2012 the race we definitely all want.