Doc/Matt,
The problem is that when you have literally 100's of pros clamoring for these
World Championship slots, WTC has no incentive to boost the purse. I would venture to guess that if WTC cut the purse in 1/2 at Vegas, the field would be nearly identical & the reason is that (I believe) most pros aren't doing it for the $....they often say one thing, but actions show otherwise.
Case in point....below is the prize money breakdown for (3) big events in the States, all on Sunday:
Rev3 || 70.3 Vegas || IM Wisconsin)$100,000 || $100,000* || $25,000
*This was bumped up $10K literally just this week.1. $16,000 || $15,000 || $4,500
2. $11,500 || $11,000 || $3,000
3. $7,000 || $8,000 || $2,000
4. $5,000 || $5,000 || $1,500
5. $3,750 || $3,500 || $1,000
6. $2,750 || $2,500 || $500
7. $1,750 || $2,000 || $0
8. $1,000 || $1,500 || $0
9. $750 || $1,000 || $0
10. $500 || $500 || $0
So for all those pros who are moaning that there's not enough prize $$, how many of them are in Cedar Point vs Wisconsin? Of course some of those in Wisconsin will say they're doing it to get points for Kona 2012. Of that group, how many of them have a LEGITIMATE shot at placing top 10 in Kona b/c 11th place pays the same as 1500th place.
How many of those racing in LV have a LEGITIMATE shot of coming home on the $+ side or at break-even?
Just this morning I received the current BIB assignments for Rev3 & there are now 17 male & 11 female pros. So as of right now, of those 28 pros, 20 of them are going to get paid an AVERAGE of $5,000 each. The AVERAGE is more than the WINNER will receive in Wisconsin!
Would I like to see the true professionals of the sport, compensated for their dedication? Absolutely. With that, I'd also like to see the pros step up to the plate &
walk-the-walk & actually race the events that are offering them the opportunity to earn a living....assuming they're racing
pro to earn a living.
Obviously this is hardly directed at Team TBB....I'll be sure to do my share this weekend & make sure my roommate Brandon is tended to & ready to roll come Sunday morning
