DRAFTING RULES

What is Drafting ?

• If you are riding within 5 meters of someone's back wheel, you are drafting
• If your are riding next to someone, within 2 metres, you are drafting

• If you are riding next to someone and not overtaking them, you are blocking
• You are allowed 15 seconds in someone's draft zone while passing, but you must be passing - no lingering
• Once you are passed, you must drop back out of the draft zone before overtaking the person who passed you
• You are considered 'passed' when another competitor's front wheel is ahead yours.  At that point you must drop back.
• Also, you can be disqualified for a Yellow Line Violation in which you cross over the yellow centre line on the road while passing someone. This is particularly dangerous due to the potential for a collision with oncoming traffic or competitors.  If people are blocking you from passing on the left, yell at them to move to the right before risking a pass which involves a yellow line violation.
• If you are assessed a Stop and Go Penalty by an official, here is what you must do:
  • Exact wording in the 1999 TriCan Rulebook - Rule 5.1.6.
    When assessed a yellow card, the competitor will stop in a safe manner and follow the instructions of the official. If on a bicycle, the competitor will stop in a safe manner, dismount with both feet on one side of the bicycle, and raise both wheels off the ground at the same time. The official will then say “GO”, “ALLEZ” or “VAS-Y” at which time the competitor will continue in a safe manner.

Please read the following ITU rules for complete details.

E.2 Drafting

E.2.1 General Guidelines

For elite and junior competitors only, the drafting rule will be eliminated for Triathlon World Cup, Olympic Games, ITU Regional Championships and ITU International Events. It will NOT be eliminated for age group competitions or for Long Distance Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships (all categories). It is within the power of each NF to organize events within their jurisdiction where the draft rule applies to elite and junior athletes (where applicable).

E.2.2 Draft-Illegal Races

In races where the drafting rule applies:
a) Drafting of another competitor or motor vehicle is forbidden. Competitors must reject attempts by others to draft

b) A competitor is entitled to any position on the course, provided they get to that position first, and without contacting others. When taking a position, a competitor must allow reasonable space for others to make normal movements without making contact. Adequate space must be available before passing

c) A competitor who approaches from any position to take advantage of the draft, bears responsibility for avoiding the draft

E.2.3 Bicycle Draft Zone

The draft zone for all competitors in Long Distance Competitions and all age group competitions will be a rectangle 5 meters long by 2 meters wide. The center of the leading 2 meter edge will be measured from the back edge of the back wheel. A competitor may enter the draft zone of another competitor, but must be seen to be progressing through that zone. A maximum of 15 seconds will be allowed to pass through the zone of another competitor.

E.2.4 Entry into Bicycle Draft Zone

A competitor may enter a bicycle draft zone (subject to the official’s judgment) in the following circumstances:

a) If the competitor enters the draft zone, and progresses through it within 30 seconds, (15 seconds
for age group competitors)

b) For safety reasons

c) At an aid station

d) At the exit or entrance of a transition area

e) At an acute turn

f) If race officials exclude a section of the course because of narrow lanes, construction, detours, or for other safety reasons.

E.2.5 Overtaking Definition

A competitor is passed when another competitor's front wheel is ahead of theirs. Once overtaken, a competitor must immediately move out of the draft zone of the leading competitor.

E.2.6 Vehicle Draft Zone

Motorcycles are the only vehicles allowed on any section of the course. All drivers, officials, media, and race personnel must wear a securely fastened certified motorcycle helmet at all times when on the motorcycle.

a) The vehicle draft zone is a rectangle thirty-five (35) meters long by five (5) meters wide, which surrounds every vehicle on the cycle segment. The front edge of the vehicle will define the center of the leading 5 meter edge of the rectangle

b) Competitors may not pass through this zone. The responsibility for ensuring that this zone is upheld lies with the driver of the vehicle and the Vehicle Control Official (VCO). All vehicles on the course will be controlled by the regulations outlined in the Event Organizers Manual (See J Course Vehicles).

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