PTO's T100 Series: Racing to Qatar

This week, the PTO made a significant splash with the announcement of the 2025 T100 series, now intriguingly renamed the "T100 Race to Qatar." The rebranding comes as part of a strategic partnership with Qatar, which has committed to hosting the World Championship Final through 2029. This partnership not only promises to bring stability and continuity to the series but also injects a substantial financial boost into the sport.

While the name change has raised a few eyebrows (and yes, a bit of amusement), the move aligns with other iconic race pathways like the Road to Kona and the Race to Dubai. It's clear that the PTO is setting the stage for a long-term presence in the triathlon world, ensuring that athletes and fans have much to look forward to.

Expanding Horizons: Mass Participation Events

In an interesting shift, the PTO is embracing its role as a mass participation events organizer. This year, several races, including new venues in Vancouver and the French Riviera, will feature large-scale events for age-group and amateur athletes. This expansion reflects a growing trend in the endurance sports market, where engaging the broader community can significantly enhance the event experience and impact.

Gear and Training Updates: What's New?

As we find ourselves in a quieter race season, let's touch on some notable gear and training updates that might interest you:

• Garmin's GPS Woes: Some users have reported issues with Garmin devices getting stuck during GPS connection. For fixes and more details, check out this comprehensive guide https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/garmin-watches-are-crashing-when-trying-to-start-gps.html.
• Ironman and FulGaz: In a surprising move, Ironman has sold the virtual training platform FulGaz to Rouvy. Details on the transition are still unfolding, but it marks a significant shift in the virtual training landscape.
• TrainingPeaks and IndieVelo: Last fall, TrainingPeaks acquired IndieVelo, leading to the launch of their own virtual platform. While I haven't jumped on this virtual bandwagon yet, it's worth exploring if you're looking to spice up your training routine.

Athlete Spotlights and Upcoming Events

• Cassandre Beaugrand has been announced as a leading participant for the upcoming E Tri World Champs in London. This event is shaping up to be a spectator-friendly, high-energy competition.
• Ben Kanute's Ambitious Triple Crown: Ben Kanute is on a quest to win the Ironman Triple Crown, which includes the IM world title, 70.3 world title, and IM Pro Series title. It's an ambitious goal, and we're all eager to see if he can make triathlon history.