Aw come on, we are losing 2021 races now too! Now that the IMLP 70.3 is off the books for 2021 what does that mean?
For starters it seems like the IMLP 140.6 is going to be THE race of the year in the Northeast. With many of the other Northeast WTC races discontinued, and all of the deferred entries carried over, this will be a very desired race with few remaining spots.
Will the 70.3 take place in 2022? Unkonown, but the original contract with the village was for 3 years which would expire in 2021. Considering some of the financial hits WTC will take this year, it is anyones guess if the 70.3 continues. From personal experience though, that time of year is tough in that area. The weather is unpredictable and can cause many second thoughts for followup racers and a sellout is not a guarantee, especially with Mont Tremblant competing for the Canadian crowd as well.
Will the 140.6 happen? It would be very disappointing if it did not. These races are not just something athletes look forward to. The village of Lake Placid, businesses, coaches, gyms…all depend on events like this taking place. Time will tell, fingers crossed.
Are there any alternatives in the area? Well Tupper Lake has Tinman which is a 70.3 held towards the end of June. It wasn’t held this year because of the ‘rona, but if things are safe there is a good chance it will be up for 2021. I have a feeling this will also be very popular as athletes look to get back into the mix of things.
In the meantime we can push with personal challenges on the Placid course, explore new routes, and train like we were racing. Even if the carrot is not there and we don’t have the typical ways to test ourselves, we can sleep later, enjoy the extra beer, and see the family before noon on the weekend. Not the worst scenario.
Float. Spin. Walk. 