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.

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...

Race Profile: Pee Dee Triathlon

I want to give a quick profile of the Pee Dee Triathlon I raced a few weeks ago. This is race #8 in the SC Tri Series, and the first Setup race I've done this year that did not hit max capacity. Max is 350 and there were just over 300 finishers.

This race is just south of Florence, SC. It's a rural setting for sure. I think the actual town is Timmonsville or maybe Darlington. It's held at a private residence on a man-made ski lake. Leaving from Mt. Pleasant, you can get there in 2hrs 30min. But be careful, it's tough to find coming from I-95. The directions are good if your traveling via I-20, but completely jacked up otherwise. I knew where I was going this year, but last year, got completely lost and barely made the start.

The Swim
The 700 mtr swim is in the ski lake, complete with slalom buoys and ski jumps. You'll start in waist-deep water with your wave. At the sound of the horn, it's one clockwise loop around three buoys then head back toward the beach. Once you exit the water, you have a good 150 yards to transition. Water temps are in the mid-80s, so no wetsuit.

The Bike
The 15 mile bike is your typical country back roads deal. Lots of fields, farms, trailers, and barns. Road conditions are pretty decent once you get out on the pavement. However, the first 3/4 is on a dirt road. Portions of the road are real sandy and impossible to get through without sliding. Last year, people were falling all over the place. This year they put a 'sport court surface' down, which is essentially large pieces of heavy foam/plastic. This worked nicely and nobody seemed to have any trouble.

You're told not to race this section of the course. That just means don't pass anyone. You can get up to around 20 MPH on this surface.

The Run
The 5k run is 3 laps around the lake, completely off road. There is little elevation change, but parts of the trail are a bit sandy and offer poor footing. And, by this time in the race, it's starting to get really hot. There is a water station that you'll pass 3 times offering water and a Hammer Heed mix.

The race shirt this year was a nice cool max material and sleeveless. Moe's provided the post race meal. Vendor's, race photography, course officials, and lots of volunteers were on site. Great awards, split and transition times provided, and good music. As always, Setup hooks it up and puts on a great race.

Swimming with Snakes

This morning I was swimming laps at my neighborhood pool. I finished my third set, took a drink of water, turned around and saw a snake swimming over the lane line right toward me. It was a small snake, and probably about 5 ft away from me, but I was out of the water in about .0001 seconds nonetheless.

Once out of pool, I could see the snake was just a baby -- about 12 inches probably. I scooped him out with a net, tossed him in the woods, and continued swimming, but I was a little wigged out. I swam 6 more laps but couldn’t concentrate. I wondered if he was coming back to finish the job he'd started. I wondered if he had 15 or 16 siblings slithering around, and of course, I wondered if mom was creeping around. I decided to cut my swim a little short and head home.

This is the first snake I’ve seen in the pool, but I think about it every time I go, especially in August when it’s still dark outside. Today it was light, so I could see. But when it’s dark and my hand hits a leaf, or a piece of foam from a raft or something, I almost have a heart attack every time. So to actually see a snake completely validates my paranoia. Like most people, I cannot stand snakes. I mean, it’s not Snakes on a Plane or anything, but it’s not cool to be in a pool with a snake.

I think that once civil twilight is around 6:30 a.m. in August, and I’m swimming in the dark again, I’m going to have a hard time keeping my HR down. If I see another one, I’m calling in Samuel L. Jackson to come down to my pool and take care of business.

CSTS#2 Race update

The second race in the CSTS was last Sunday at James Island County Park. I shaved about 20 seconds off my time from the first race, and managed to grab 29th place overall and 2nd in my age group. I’m happy with that, but my goal is to crack 1 hr 5min. I still need to cut about 1:30 off my current time, and I'm not sure if I can get there in one month.

It seems there was some drama after the first race in the women’s elite division regarding drafting. A complaint was made, but there really wasn’t anything the race director could do other than ask the riders if they had indeed drafted. They said no, and that was that. Since there are no draft marshals on the course, you are on the honor system. Paul King decided to have draft marshals on the course for this race, and by all accounts, it was a clean race. No infractions occurred.

The bigger issue is blocking, another USAT rule, but I won't get into that again. Anyway, David Quick wrote an article for the P&C regarding the drafting allegations at the first race. All Setup Event races have marshals on the course by the way, and they always give penalties. It’s not that people are trying to cheat, it’s just that don’t know the rules. Some rules you just have to learn the hard way.

Pee Dee Triathlon Tomorrow
I’m heading up to Florence tomorrow morning for the race #8 in the SC Series. It’s a 700 mtr swim, 15 mile bike, 5k. I’ll post a course profile next Monday. The first mile of the bike is on a dirt road with lots of sand. Last year people were falling left and right trying to get through the rough parts. It’s not a hard fall, but obviously, it’s preferable to stay upright on the bike. This year they’ve put something over these rough patches, but are still saying not to race this section of the course. Easier said than done. It’s a race after all. I’m just hoping I don’t get lost trying to find the race site like I did last year. I literally had 15 minutes to check in and get my bike racked before my wave went off.

Tour de France
I can’t get enough of the Tour this year. Both US-based teams are killing it – Green jersey, White jersey, stage wins, race leader, top 10 GC guys. It’s incredible. This is the first time we’ve had two American teams in the Tour and we are represented well. I have wagers with two friends of mine on who will win. We’ve each selected 5 riders and will take the 3 lowest times combined to determine the winner. Plus I joined two Tour de France Fantasy Leagues, so I’m completely enthralled with all things Tour, or as one buddy likes to put it, “You’re a dork.” Whatever, Viva la US!!!!!