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Why only teams at cycling events


Mike Mac

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I am curious to know why so many MTB events are team orientated and don't have single entries?

 

 

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Its the marketing teams, this way they sell double the bikes.

Not sure that it is an effective strategy as they loose out on entries from all the Norman-no-mates who would enter as single entries.

 

I can (sort of) understand from a safety point of view. Do the fields spread out that much that that there won't be another rider passing by in a relatively short period of time?

Edited by Mike Mac
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Not sure that it is an effective strategy as they loose out on entries from all the normal-no-mates who would enter as single entries.

 

I can (sort of) understand from a safety point of view. Do the fields spread out that much that that there won't be another rider passing by in a relatively short period of ti

All these MTB events like Epic, W2W, etc all see out so having single entries is not going to increase the revenue. A lot of events then have the same format so the team train together. 

 

I know all the WP MTB races etc are not done with teams.

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Not sure that it is an effective strategy as they loose out on entries from all the normal-no-mates who would enter as single entries.

 

I can (sort of) understand from a safety point of view. Do the fields spread out that much that that there won't be another rider passing by in a relatively short period of time?

The elasticity calcs have been done. While you certainly do lose some single entries. On net your turn out is higher. When it come to logistical support the margins are also higher when you can pop two people in tent.

Edited by Patchelicious
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Not sure that it is an effective strategy as they loose out on entries from all the normal-no-mates who would enter as single entries.

 

I can (sort of) understand from a safety point of view. Do the fields spread out that much that that there won't be another rider passing by in a relatively short period of time?

 

Effective enough, events sell out and SA has the world's largest stage race calendar. More than a few events though who do have an option for individual entries.

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Thanks.

 

Looks like I am going to have to suck it up and find a riding buddy.

 

I may have come off a little aggressive. There are events that accept solo riders. It seems most stage races expect teams but even so there are a few that go against that trend.

 

I have decided that I'm just not into multi day stage races right now. One day if I get into it I'm sure I'll find people also looking for team mates. I'd start by asking on the hub and clearly stating your goals so you can see if there is a rider out there with similar aims.

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Sometimes it is just easier to balance all the needs when doing an event solo (arrival, accommodation etc etc.), vs having to have a team mate. There is merit to both. I think one should have the choice. But that is the call of organiser. If somebody really wants to do an event which is limited to teams, then you would find a partner somehow/somewhere. To align the level of fitness, speed, goals etc is a challenge, but so is any partnership.

 

What has baffled me: why is the cost per rider higher for a solo rider?? For the same course, tent, food, drink etc etc. PLEASE can someone explain that to me? That's just a rip-off in my view. But maybe I missed something?

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Sometimes it is just easier to balance all the needs when doing an event solo (arrival, accommodation etc etc.), vs having to have a team mate. There is merit to both. I think one should have the choice. But that is the call of organiser. If somebody really wants to do an event which is limited to teams, then you would find a partner somehow/somewhere. To align the level of fitness, speed, goals etc is a challenge, but so is any partnership.

 

What has baffled me: why is the cost per rider higher for a solo rider?? For the same course, tent, food, drink etc etc. PLEASE can someone explain that to me? That's just a rip-off in my view. But maybe I missed something?

To encourage riders to form teams

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Sometimes it is just easier to balance all the needs when doing an event solo (arrival, accommodation etc etc.), vs having to have a team mate. There is merit to both. I think one should have the choice. But that is the call of organiser. If somebody really wants to do an event which is limited to teams, then you would find a partner somehow/somewhere. To align the level of fitness, speed, goals etc is a challenge, but so is any partnership.

 

What has baffled me: why is the cost per rider higher for a solo rider?? For the same course, tent, food, drink etc etc. PLEASE can someone explain that to me? That's just a rip-off in my view. But maybe I missed something?

For a solo rider they need to provide a tent vs a team of 2 they can share a tent. Half the admin of entries etc.

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Sometimes it is just easier to balance all the needs when doing an event solo (arrival, accommodation etc etc.), 

Easier for you, not easier for the organisers.

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