Friday, August 29, 2008

Triathlon Etiquette


How someone trains and races says something about them. When I see someone meticulously laying out his gear in the transition area, taking great pains to place every item just so, I know there’s a good chance his attention to detail and organization skills carry over into his personal life. For example, I would bet his garage is clean and organized, just like his office, the glovebox of his car, and top dresser drawer. Likewise, when I see someone knowingly drafting, I know there’s a good chance that person cheats on his taxes and wife. When I see someone in the race giving words of encouragement to everyone who passes, I know there’s a good chance that person has a lot of friends.

Your character comes out on race day, whether you like it or not.

I see a lot of driven and motivated people in the triathlon community. I see people who want to challenge themselves. I see people setting and achieving goals. I see hard work and commitment. I see detail-oriented, competitive, successful people. I see health conscious, active people wanting to try new things. And I see people who inspire me.

Unfortunately, I’ve also seen a lot of jerks. I guess it comes with the territory. It is a race afterall. And when you get a group of people with all the attributes I mentioned above competing against one another, tempers can flare. I’ve seen a near fist fight over bumping/passing in the chute of a sprint finish. I’ve seen yelling in the transition area over rack spots. I’ve seen volunteers get berated. I’ve seen unsportsmanlike conduct in crowded swims (as in, that kick was NOT accidental). I’ve seen people cut turns and corners perhaps a little too much. I’ve seen more bad attitudes and complaining than I care to talk about. And the drafters, don’t even get me started on the drafters.

Below are a few suggestions and tips regarding good etiquette and sportsmanship you should use on race day.

Transition Area:
Your space in the transition area is tight. Just because you bring more gear doesn't mean you get more space. Use common sense and courtesy. Don't lay your crap all over the place and leave items in the way of others. In fact, there are USAT rules about this.

Work with the people on your rack to make sure everyone has enough space.

Don't ever take someone's spot. If there is a wetsuit or anything hanging over a rack spot, consider it a place holder and move on. If you aren't sure, ask. Note: If you get to the race site late, don't expect to get a great rack spot. And please don't try to squeeze into an already crowded rack.

Help others if they are having trouble or look clueless.

When you're done with your race and you're in the transition area, be considerate of those who have not finished yet and stay out of the way.

Swim:
Slower swimmers should start farther back. Don't start front and center unless you plan on leading the wave.

When there's contact, make your adjustment and keep going. It happens. Also, don't assume it's some jerk swimming into you. It could be you who is veering.

Bike:
No spitting or blowing your nose farmer-style. The people behind you will not be happy.

Always ride in a straight line, and if you are a slower rider stay on the right side except when passing.

Always let the rider ahead know you are passing on the left.

Only discard your water bottles and trash at aid stations. No littering ever -- even the tops of gel packs are litter. Just put it back in your pocket, or tuck under your shorts -- anywhere but on the ground.

No drafting. That's cheating. You should take the time to familiarize yourself with USAT rules.

Run:
Again, no littering on the race course.

Stay on the right except to pass.

At aid stations, try to discard your cups within a reasonable distance. Volunteers have to pick up each cup, so don't make them walk 400 yards.

In a sprint to the finish, use good judgement. If you're sprinting toward a chute, and you haven't passed the guy when you get there, he has the right of way.

After the race:
Treat the finish line volunteers with respect. Even though you're done, they still have to gather each racer's timing chip.

If you hang around for the awards don't bolt as soon as you get yours. It's good form to applaud everyone.

Thank volunteers and the race director when possible. They make it all possible.

I could go on and on with this list, but it's really common sense. Know the rules. Be considerate of others and contribute to the positive vibes. People are completing their first tris, PRs are being set, goals are being met, etc. Talk to people after the race and listen to how their race unfolded. Don't kill the buzz with negative energy and complaining. It's fun to be a part of the post race buzz and community. And it will make your race day experience all the better.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Upcoming Multisport Events

August 23: Cackalacky Cup
The Cackalacky Cup is held at Lake Norman State Park in Troutman, NC, and consists of two MTB trials. The first time trial will be a technical time trial held on the four mile Itusi loop. There will be four different obstacles on the course. The second time trial will be an all out speed time trial. The winners will be determined by the combined times of both time trials.

August 31: The Bear Adventure Race
The BEAR is an adventure race in Jacksonville, Fl. You can choose a 10-hour time limit race or enter The BEAR Sprint for the 6-hour adventure that includes many of the same challenges.

Entry into The BEAR is open to anyone. There is no qualifying requirement for entry, though Teams should be well prepared for the challenge. All teams must compete and finish together. Two-person teams and three-person or four-person teams will strive to meet the challenges of an event that includes mountain biking on trails and the beach, non-technical climbing, backwoods orienteering, open-water paddling in kayaks or canoes, and off-road running/trekking.

There are also "Mystery Tests" that will be placed at various stages along the course. The exact order of the events is not revealed until the day of the event, keeping the atmosphere mysterious. The Mystery Tests will try mental and physical abilities, as well as teamwork strengths. The Three-person / Four-person Coed Teams make up the premier division in The BEAR race. The BEAR will favor those who work together with sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and camaraderie.

September 6: North Myrtle Beach Triathlon
Registration is available at Active.com, or you may download the form from the website and mail it in. Late registration will be at McLean Park from 5–8 pm on Friday, September 5th, during the Family Fun Run.

September 7: Rivers Edge Mountain Bike Marathon
Presented by US National Whitewater Park and SouthPark Cycles, the Rivers Edge Mountain Bike Marathon is the Southeast Mountain Bike Marathon Championships. This is a 50 mile race in which 12 southeast champions will be crowned. There are also duo categories at the event.

September 7: Rock the Marne
The Rock of the Marne Sprint Triathlon is scheduled for September 7, 2008 at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA.

The distances are:
Swim - 500 yards in the Forest River
Bike - 12 miles around Perimeter Road
Run - 5K - Rio Road biking path
Proceeds will benefit the Hunter Army Airfield Spouse's Club. It's a USAT sanctioned race. Cost is $45 person; $85 relay; $35 military; $75 military relay. You can register on Active.com.

September 6 & 7: Tsali Offroad Triathlon
This is an off road tri in Bryson City, NC. Instead of the traditional swim, cycle and run, this race features a 3-mile lake paddle, a 5-mile trail run and a 12-mile mountain bike ride, all at Tsali Recreation Area on Fontana Lake.

Individuals compete on Saturday with four classes of racers: Women’s Open, Men’s Open, Women’s Masters and Men’s Masters (Masters Classes are open to competitors age 40+). Sunday sees the Team Challenge, where 3-person teams divvy up each leg of the race to one team member. On Sunday, there are three classes: Female, Male and Co-Ed teams. A racers’ meeting is held 20-minutes prior to the start of competition on both Saturday and Sunday.

A race dinner is held Saturday evening for competitors at NOC. Camping is available at Tsali Recreation Area, or you can reserve lodging at NOC.

September 7: Hartsville Triathlon
This is event #10 in the SCTS. There is a sprint (500m, 15m, 5k) or international distance (1500m, 27m, 10k) option. Both races are still open.

September 21: Kiawah Triathlon
This is the Charleston’s only Olympic distance tri, and for most, the last race of the season. The distances are 1.5k swim, 45k bike, and 10k run. Race entries are limited to 300 participants, and I think they hit that mark last week and closed registration. If you are registered, get there early because parking is limited. Packet pickup on Saturday is from 1-4 pm, and race morning 6-7 at Beachwalker Park. Good luck.

September 28: SC Half Ironman
This is event #12 in the SCTS and the only half iron distance in the state. Registration is closed for 2008.

October 4: The 3rd Annual Tree Shaker 12 Hour Mountain Bike Challenge
The 3rd Annual Tree Shaker 12 Hour Mountain Bike Challenge will once again take place at Anne Springs Close Greenway, which has some really good singletrack. Located in Ft Mill SC, the ASCG is located just off I-77. There will be live music at the event with Streetwise School of Rock. The event start and finish will be held at the Field Trial Barn.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Drafting & Blocking Violations in Triathlon

Tomorrow is the final race in the 2008 CSTS series. The race hit max capacity two weeks ago, so we can expect approximatelty 325 athletes in the field. Since the last race gives double points, everyone competing for category awards goes all out. Everyone is pushing for that CSTS PR, and this is the last chance of the summer. Let's hope the weather is a bit cooler than it was this week.

Lastly, since there's been a lot of talk about drafting and blocking in this series, I'm postin the official USAT rules on position fouls. Knowing these rules is important and makes the course safer.

5.10 Position Fouls
In accordance with the Rules as set forth in this Section, a participant is not permitted to position his bicycle in the proximity of another moving vehicle so as to benefit from reduced air resistance. While on the cycling course, participants shall not work together to improve performance, efficiency, or position by teamwork or other joint conduct. A variable time penalty shall be imposed for any violation of this section. This section shall not apply to off-road triathlons and duathlons and shall be excluded from enforcement at those events.

(a) Illegal Positioning. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, while on the cycling course, no participant shall permit his drafting zone to intersect with or remain intersected with the drafting zone of another participant or that of a motor vehicle. With respect to a motor vehicle (including authorized race vehicles), it is the athlete's responsibility to move out of the vehicle's drafting zone or to continually communicate to the vehicle to move away.

(b) Definition of Drafting Zone. The term "drafting zone" shall refer to a rectangular area seven (7) meters long and two (2) meters wide surrounding each bicycle. The longer sides of the zone begin at the leading edge of the front wheel and run backward parallel to the bicycle; the front wheel divides the short side of the zone into two equal parts. With respect to a moving motor vehicle, the "drafting zone" is a rectangular area extending 15 meters to each side of the vehicle and 30 meters behind the vehicle.

(c) Right-of-Way. A participant is generally entitled to assume any otherwise proper location on the cycling course provided that the participant arrives in the position first without contacting another participant. When taking a position near another participant, however, a cyclist shall not crowd the other participant and shall allow reasonable space for the other participant to make normal movement without making contact.

(d) Blocking. Cyclists who have established the right of way must not block or obstruct the progress of another participant.

(e) Passing. A participant who approaches another cyclist from the rear or from another unfavorable position bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul even if the cyclist being approached decreases speed. A participant must not attempt to pass another cyclist unless adequate space is available and the athlete is confident of his/her ability to pass the other cyclist. All passing is to be done to the left of the cyclist being overtaken unless otherwise specified.

(f) Position. Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all cyclists shall keep to the right of the prescribed course unless passing.

(g) Being Overtaken. When the leading edge of the front wheel of one cyclist passes beyond the front wheel of another cyclist, the second cyclist has been "overtaken" within the meaning of these Rules. A cyclist who has been overtaken bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul and must immediately move to the rear and out of the drafting zone of the passing cyclist. The overtaken cyclist shall first move completely out of the drafting zone of the other cyclist before attempting to re-pass the other cyclist. In no case, however, shall a participant move into the path of another participant possessing the right of way.

(h) Exceptions. A participant may enter the drafting zone without penalty only under the following conditions:

(1) When entering the drafting zone from the rear, closing the gap, and overtaking all within no more than 15 seconds.
(2) When cyclist reduce speed for safety reasons, for course blockage, for an aid station, for an emergency, when entering or exiting a transition area, or when making a turn of 90 degrees or more; or
(3) When USA Triathlon or the Head Referee expressly excludes a section of the bicycle course from the position foul Rules because of overly narrow lanes, construction, detours, or a similar reason.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Mustache Magic

Michael Phelps said today that he would likely shave his mustache tomorrow, if not Saturday. That chicken. I knew he didn't have the moxy to roll up onto the blocks sporting a mustache. I came real close to jumping on the Phelps bandwagon because of that stache, but something told me to hold off until I knew he was for real.

Now, I'll give him credit for growing a pretty fly stache. I mean, if you're going to grow one, going with the handlebar is a nice move.

But I can't help but ask why he grew one in the first place. I'm guessing that he was inspired by the legend to which he is constantly compared to -- Mark Spitz. But if you're going to pay homage to the legend, you have to go all the way and race with it.

With all the talk about the how records are being broken because of the new skin suit and whether or not it's fair, Mark Spitz's moustache stands out even more. I mean, not only did he win 7 golds without today's technology, but he didn't even shave! I think for a split second, Phelps thought he might sport that moustache and beat Spitz's record, but he knew better. He got scared.

Don't get me wrong. Like everyone, I'm pulling for Phelps. He's a phenom. I'm just saying he had a chance to not just win 8 golds, but win 8 golds in about the coolest way possible.

And while we're on this topic, I'd be remiss not to mention the absolute best moustache of all time...