When IRONMAN announced the decision to split its World Championship between Kona and Nice, it was a watershed moment for the sport of triathlon.
The most famous race series in swim/bike/run said it was left with no option with Kona authorities not willing to sanction racing on two separate days following the format’s ill-fated debut in 2022.
Lessening the sport’s ties to its spiritual home on the Big Island of Hawaii was a controversial move – one which was designed to ensure women and men get their own race day each year, their own deserved moment in the world’s sporting spotlight.
But while it did achieve that aim, there was another spin-off – one which many said went against the ethos of the sport. Men and women would no longer be racing at the same venue at the same time. McCormack was one of the critics of the decision at the time, and two years on he still feels just as strongly.
Macca on Nice/Kona split
Speaking to TRI247, the two-time IRONMAN World Champion explained his continued misgivings in a forthright take on where the pinnacle of long-distance triathlon stands right now.
“The Nice/Kona split doesn’t work for me with the men and women racing on different courses,” he explained.
“Men and women should be on the same day. Same course, same World Championship. Splitting men and women is a debacle.
“I’m happy for them to go to different venues every second year, and Nice seems to work. Kona still needs to be Kona, but splitting it the way it is and the way it’s done now has been only detrimental to the sport. I think Ironman would have to agree with it.”
Chris McCormack – strong words on Kona/Nice split [Photo credit: Mana Group]
‘The sport’s gone backwards’
McCormack had even stronger words about what he perceives to be the state of long-distance triathlon in the aftermath of the split. They do not paint a pretty picture.
“The sport’s gone backwards 20 years, maybe more. The sport was better 20 years ago than it is right now. I think it’s broken. I think it’s bad, and I think they’ve missed the dynamic and I guess the soul of what triathlon and Kona means to this sport.
“And by splitting it the way they have and thinking they can get away with it was a big mistake.”
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Jonny Brownlee on the pool swimming drills to do now to get faster in open water
TRI-FIT RAPID-X swimming goggles review – A contender for the best swim goggles for pool and open water?
How to make indoor cycling NOT suck – top tips to make turbo trainer rides enjoyable
Tri suit buying guide: how to find your perfect tri suit
Essential Cold Water Swimming Gear & Safety Tips
latest News
28 Oct 2024
Top triathlon star calls for DRAFTING RULE CHANGE after IRONMAN Kona CHAOS
28 Oct 2024
IRONMAN Kona: Magnus Ditlev made AMAZING recovery after fearing he was FINISHED in T2
28 Oct 2024
Sam Laidlow reacts to IRONMAN Kona blowup after being humbled by ‘SAVAGE’ triathlon
28 Oct 2024
Triathlon great Kristian Blummenfelt makes BRUTAL ADMISSION after IRONMAN Kona
27 Oct 2024
US back on men’s IRONMAN Kona podium for first time THIS DECADE as ‘The Bison’ ends triathlon drought
Source : Tri247