Following in-depth discussions over the past few months with professional triathletes around the world, the Professional Triathlon Union (PTU) Board of Directors has voted to reduce the organisation’s 2016 pro membership fee from US$600 down to a flat low rate of US$149.
PTU notes that the new fee of US$149 was decided upon to make it affordable for all pros to join the organisation, which aims to represent all professional non-drafting triathletes globally. A PTU release added…
If the PTU is going to be a catalyst for significant change then they must represent the majority of pro triathletes, and lowering the membership fee is the best way to enable everyone to get involved. The fee is now a token gesture buy-in that will help with some of the operating costs, but certainly not all of them. If pros feel that they would like to contribute more then this would be much appreciated.
In addition to the fee reduction, access to the members’ area is free until January 1st 2016 to enable pros to begin discussions in the forum and vote on the first projects that the PTU will take on. The core of what the PTU is set to achieve as quickly as possible is: For all pros to discuss changes, vote on changes and then the PTU work towards making these changes backed by a business plan and majority representation.
“I believe the Board’s decision is extremely positive and should enable us to get the numbers required to have a positive impact on our sport,” said PTU Executive Director Rich Allen.
“However, we are now relying on donations and sponsorship in order to survive and I hope that the triathlon community will support us.”
Pros are encouraged to join PTU now at protriunion.com. They should go to the members’ area and sign up with an email and password.
