The tension between preserving the one-race-experience ethos and professionalizing the sport is really well captured here. What stood out to me is how Abby Hall framed defining "who is a pro" as the bigger obstacle than the pacing rule itself, since breakout performances often come from non-contracted athletes. I've crewed ultra races befor and the dynamics are way more complex than just having extra eyes on course. Jim's take on golden ticket races is pretty compelling tho.
Very well written with great points on the need to reevaluate the use of pacers .
The tension between preserving the one-race-experience ethos and professionalizing the sport is really well captured here. What stood out to me is how Abby Hall framed defining "who is a pro" as the bigger obstacle than the pacing rule itself, since breakout performances often come from non-contracted athletes. I've crewed ultra races befor and the dynamics are way more complex than just having extra eyes on course. Jim's take on golden ticket races is pretty compelling tho.
Loved this, so interesting to hear all the different views on pacers!