Ahead of one of the biggest and busiest professional seasons in 2024, triathlon legend Mark Allen is keen to avoid leaving beginners to the sport behind.
The six-time IRONMAN World Champion, who is one of the sport’s most well respected commentators, feels that very little is being offered to newbies below the middle distance.
Taking to Instagram to voice his concerns, the California native said that he would be willing to provide his full support to anyone who sets out to solve this issue.
“Virtually nothing offered for the new person”
Despite the launch of the brand new IRONMAN Pro Series and T100 Triathlon World Tour, Allen is concerned that triathlon from a participation standpoint may start to struggle.
Whilst happy to see the professional side of the sport receive the coverage they deserve, the American called for more effort by the triathlon community to welcome newcomers.
“Is anyone else seeing how little attention is being focused on inviting new people into our sport?
“While much is being made (and rightly so) by the media about the incredible opportunities for pros racing at longer distances there is virtually nothing offered for the new person unless they want to start at 70.3.”
“It does not bode well for our sport”
Offering his support to any concerted effort to make new events for triathlon beginners, Allen warned that the current situation does not bode well for triathlon’s future.
“I’ve seen this before and it does not bode well for our sport.
“I am ready to throw my name behind any substantial effort to create events for beginners.”
