The Croyde Triathlon 2021: A Missed Opportunity and a Lesson Learned

Introduction

Croyde is a breathtaking venue known for its stunning beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and thrilling sporting events. After a fantastic experience competing in beach volleyball tournaments at Croyde, I eagerly looked forward to participating in the Croyde Triathlon. However, a series of unfortunate events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a disappointing response from the race organizer, left me with a bitter taste in my mouth.

The Anticipation

My anticipation for the Croyde Triathlon was at its peak. The challenging race, picturesque surroundings, and community among fellow athletes made it an event I couldn’t wait to participate in. I was ready to take on the waves, conquer the course, and create lasting memories.

Unforeseen Obstacles

Unfortunately, life had other plans in store. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced many events worldwide to be cancelled or postponed. The Croyde Triathlon was no exception. Like many others, I was left grappling with the uncertainty of the times and the investments I had made.

Disappointment Strikes

My disappointment turned into frustration when I reached out to the event organizer, hoping for a resolution. Instead of offering a refund or a deferral to the next year, I received a shocking response, which went something like this: “No deferral at this late stage – all I can do is cancel your entry and give you a 10% discount in the next year.”
This response left me disheartened. I had invested my money, time, energy, and enthusiasm into this event. The lack of flexibility and understanding from the organizer was disappointing, to say the least.

The Bitter Aftertaste

Losing over £100 and being unable to participate in an event I eagerly looked forward to was a tough pill to swallow. I expected more from the organizer, especially in these extraordinary circumstances. The lack of empathy and the unwillingness to accommodate my situation left me questioning the integrity of the event and its organizer.

The Way Forward

My experience with the Croyde Triathlon has taught me an important lesson about the importance of transparency, communication, and customer service in the world of sports events. While I will not be participating in this event in the future, I hope this post will remind

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