Racing by the Rules!
The do's and
dont's for racing your first triathlon.
by Michael
Pate of www.whenbigboystri.com
If you are at Beginner Triathlete,
chances are that you are new to the sport, but this article really isn’t
just for the beginner. If you are going to do a triathlon, you need to know
at least some of the basic rules that can keep you from getting hurt or
hurting someone else.
All the rules should be obeyed, but it has been my
personal experience that some race officials are very picky about certain
rules. In September, I had never had a race official pick apart my
transition area, but he did and everything that he told me and made me abide
by was in the rule book. At a race in August, it was evident that the
officials were really tough on the drafting penalties. I received a warning
at that race, because when I was passed, I didn’t immediately drop back
three bike lengths.
I recommend that you read the official
USAT rule book
when you have the opportunity. However, here are a few
of the basics that every triathlete should know:
TRANSITION AREA: All of your equipment must be placed in the
transition area. Bike must be placed in an upright position on the bike rack
and must be replaced in the same position on your return to the transition
area. You cannot interfere with another competitor's equipment or impede
their progress in any way and no glass containers are allowed in the
transition area. Transition violations will usually get you a time penalty,
but a glass container will usually result in disqualification.
HELMET: Make sure you have an approved helmet. Your helmet must be
on your head and chin strap securely buckled before you depart the
transition area or mount your bike. It must not be unbuckled until you have
returned into the transition area and dismounted from your bike. No
helmet - no race. If you unbuckle the helmet while on your bike you’re
disqualified.
DRAFTING: Don’t draft on the bike. If you ride less than 3 bike
lengths behind the person in front of you unless you are passing them, then
you are drafting. If you are passing the person in front of you, you must
complete the pass within 15 seconds or drop back out of the 3 bike-length
zone. If you have just been passed, you must drop back to allow the 3 bike
length gap between you and the bike who passed you. First 2 violations are
time penalties, 3rd violation is a disqualification.
ASSISTANCE FROM OTHERS: You cannot accept assistance from anyone
except a race official, volunteers, or medical personnel. Accepting any kind
of assistance from spectators is not acceptable.
BAD
BEHAVIOR: Foul, argumentative, or abusive language or
unsportsmanlike conduct directed at competitors, spectators, race officials,
or volunteers is forbidden. Penalty can be a time penalty but could result
in a disqualification.
HEADPHONES: Headphones, Walkmans etc. are forbidden during a race.
Usually results in a time penalty.
RACE
NUMBERS: Competitors are required to wear race number tag on the
run. Number must face front and be clearly visible at all times. Number may
not be altered in any way. Usually results in a time penalty.
I once was
told by a Police officer that ignorance is not a defense. Gain the
knowledge of the rules in our sport and you will have a successful tri
season.
Still
Tri’n,
Michael
Copyright
When Big Boys Tri 2004
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