Rev3 Triathlon Interview

The following is an Interview I did with Jordan Rapp and is posted on Slowtwitch.com, regarding our upcoming Rev3 Triathlon in Middlebury, CT. It's not too late to join us for the Great EVENT


Talking 'Bout A Revolution(3) new
Written by: Jordan RappDate: Fri May 15 2009

Pro triathlete Heather Gollnick sits down with Slowtwitch to talk about what lead her to step out of her racing flats and into the shoes of a race organizer as part of the brand new Rev3 triathlon.

Slowtwitch: We all know you as, “Heather Gollnick, professional triathlete.” What made you decide to go from participating in races to organizing one?

Heather: Well, the good news is you can still know me as Heather Gollnick Pro triathlete as I am still racing (just not Rev3) where I will be busy commentating as well as handling the Sponsorship and Marketing duties for this race and our upcoming series.

ST: Can you tell us about the process of creating the race? When did the idea of Rev3 come about? How did you pick the venue?

Heather: The idea for Rev3 came about in a Hotel Room in Boulder, CO. The first ideas were sketched out on a napkin (we're keeping it for posterity sake). I’ve had the good fortune of racing for a number of years now and have always believed that more could be done for the families and spectators. It’s our belief that the overall race experience could in fact be enhanced for everyone involved. A good friend of mine Joanne Frantzis and her husband George own Quassy Amusement Park. Joanne and I were on the Timex Triathlon Team together several years back so we have known each other for a long time. She had long talked about bringing a high quality event to Connecticut. My husband Todd, our race director, met with Joanne, toured the park and area (which is gorgeous), and we had our venue. Middlebury and Quassy provide us with both a scenic and challenging course, coupled with a venue that will meet the needs of spectators and family alike.

ST: Tell us a little about the swim/bike/run courses.

Heather: The course is scenic and challenging. Lake Quassapaug is a fabulous lake, extremely clean water with a very private feel to it. The bike course will cross through multiple counties each more scenic than the next with a very typical New England hometown flavor. The run course resides within Middlebury and will undoubtedly be well supported by local residents. I would describe the course over all as challenging, but fair. It will be a good test for many of our athletes, personally I loved it!!

ST: You’ve chosen to focus a lot on the pros for this race. You’ve put up the biggest half-ironman prize purse outside of Clearwater. What makes the pros a focal point?

Heather: We wanted to recognize our pros by providing a prize purse worthy of the profession. I know the long hours that myself and fellow pro’s put in every day and I also know it’s a major challenge for many in our sport to make a living doing something they are passionate about. This race along with our upcoming 2010 series will offer the opportunity for healthy paydays. Our races however won't just throw out aggressive prize purses, we truly want to provide a “first class” experience from beginning to end. We will also provide our pros airport pickups, homestays, a private pro dinner, free massage, designated pro transition and finish line VIP area. I would like to stress however that our races are not just about pro athletes – our age-group athletes will enjoy the same first class customer service as well. We are incorporating a number of special touches that I know our athletes will appreciate; it’s something you will need to experience to appreciate fully.

ST: You chose to create an independent race, rather than making Ironman 70.3 Connecticut. There are obvious pluses and minuses either way. Can you tell us about your decision to create a standalone race? (Or is the Rev3 in CT the first of a planned Rev3 series?)

Heather: Ironman does a great job with their series and I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for their organizing crew but we feel strongly about our vision for Rev3 and intend to bring to market another very “high quality” race opportunity for athletes nationwide. We have an exciting series that will be announced shortly for 2010. STAY TUNED – some very cool venues are on the horizon for Rev3, catch our updates at www.rev3tri.com

ST: Tell us a little about the unique technology that is featured on the Rev3 website.

Heather: We are so excited about this aspect of our race. It is something that once people experience it they will be excited about being part of its future maturation. We intend to bring the race experience to life for spectators both at the venue and through the web. Six on-course cameras will capture the action on race day. Spectators viewing through the web or at our race day computer kiosk will have the option to follow any of the live feeds. Text updates will flow along with a live chat room and multiple still photographs from the course as well as real time competitor updates throughout the day. Athletes will also have the option to use a Trakkers GPS unit that they will wear on their wrist while racing. An interactive on-line map will follow athletes offering a GPS fix every second and refreshed updates every minute. For those using Trakkers, Family and Friends will know where their loved ones are every step of the way. Overall it will be the most unique race day experience for spectators offered anywhere. Viewing a triathlon is about to take a major step forward !! For more information on this event and the Rev3 2010 Race Series log on to Rev3tri.com.