Tri . . . and Accomplish!

Presentation to the Chicago Tri Club, July 2, 2002
By Ken Johnson, USAT Level I Coach

USAT Rule Book: http://www.usatriathlon.org/Events/Rules.aspx

Drafting

• Drafting refers to positioning your bike to benefit from the reduced air resistance of another cyclist or moving vehicle.
• The rider in front creates a low pressure behind the bike, to which the air does not immediately fill in.
• It is easier for the following cyclist to ride in this area, since they do not have as much air to move out of their way.
• Can save up to 40 percent in energy expenditures over a cyclist who is not drafting.
• A.K.A. "Slipstreaming"
• You may not allow your drafting zone to overlap or remain overlapped with another rider.
• The Drafting Zone is a rectangular area two meters wide and seven meters long, starting at your front wheel and going backwards.
• Easy way to remember is to think of two bike lengths behind the rider in front of you.
• Violation gives a time penalty

Passing

• The person passing has the responsibility to avoid drafting (a "position foul"), even if the person being passed slows down. Pass on the left unless otherwise noted.
• A pass must be completed within 15 seconds.
• When the person passing's front wheel moves beyond the front wheel of the person being passed, then it is the responsibility of the person being passed to avoid a position foul.
• You must move back and out of the drafting zone of the person who passed you.
• You must be completely out of the drafting zone before attempting to re-pass.

Exceptions to the Drafting Zone

You may enter the drafting zone of another rider without penalty under these conditions:

1. When passing, but for no longer than 15 seconds.
2. When cyclists are reducing speed for safety reasons, such as a course blockage, an aid station, or an emergency on the course.
3. When entering and exiting the transition area.
4. When making a turn of more than 90 degrees.
5. If the USAT Head Referee expressly excludes a section of the bike course from position foul rules, e.g., narrow lanes, construction, detours.

Blocking

• You may not intentionally or unintentionally block, obstruct, or interfere with the forward progress of another participant.
• This is true for all three events, and the transition area.
• Violation gives a time penalty

Penalties

Variable time penalties relate to Age Group athletes and depend on the length of the race.

General Conduct Rules

• Basically: "Do Unto Others"
• It is your responsibility to know the swim, bike, and run courses.
• Avoid unsportsmanlike conduct, including language and conduct.
• No outside assistance during the race (food, drink, equipment)
• Do not leave equipment on the race course (including water bottles)
• No headsets, radios
• No glass containers
• No nudity in the transition area!