TOP TEN TRI TRANSGRESSIONS
From Multi-Sport Magazine
1: RIDING AT VENUE WITHOUT A HELMET
Did you know that you can be disciplined for not wearing a helmet when riding your bike at a race venue? This not only applies to you when riding on the race cycle course prior to the race, but also when (for example) riding your bike from your car to the transition area. You are simply not permitted to cycle at all – no matter how short the distance – without wearing your helmet. While seldom enforced at local races and quite often overlooked by referees; it can lead to serious implications for athletes racing internationally.
2. MOUNTING BEFORE THE MOUNT LINE
Eager to head out onto the cycling course, athletes will oftentimes jump on their bikes before reaching the mount line. There is no cycling permitted within the transition area to ensure the safety of all triathletes within this restricted area.
3. DISMOUNTING AFTER THE DISMOUNT LINE
Overshooting the dismount line heading back into transition is another common transgression amongst triathletes. While this is often done unintentionally, it is still illegal behaviour and will be called by referees manning the dismount line.
4. WEARING EARPHONES AND LISTENING TO MUSIC
The tell-tale wires disappearing underneath the collar of a race shirt are dead give-aways that referees will be on the lookout for as you head out of the transition area. No listening devices of any kind are permitted on any leg of a triathlon course. The ability to hear and respond to referees is limited through the use of earphones and safety of other triathletes.
5. DRAFTING IN A NON-DRAFTING RACE
Many of the races and some categories within races do not permit drafting on the cycle leg. While in some cases the drafting limits do differ; the premise is the same. You are not allowed to gain advantage by sitting behind or within a drafting zone of another athlete. Despite this being a well documented and discussed rule, drafting non-conformance is still one of the most commonplace transgressions in triathlon.
6. SECONDING DURING RACES
Triathletes need to understand that they cannot accept assistance from friends or family along the route. Many times an athlete, especially those participating in longer races, will accept drinks or will hand friends unwanted items that they may be carrying. This is seen as taking an advantage that other competitors do not have and can result in a penalty to the offender. Some common examples of this can be seen when exiting the water where athletes pass their swim caps and goggles to bystanders instead of taking them with them into transition. Other incidents involve the provision of water bottles or nutrition to the athlete during the cycle or the run.
7. TAKING THE WRONG ROUTE
While this is usually done unknowingly, taking the incorrect route can lead to disqualification. For this reason listening during race briefing is essential and studying route maps when provided is very useful.
8. INCORRECT EQUIPMENT
Trying to check into transition with the incorrect or unsuitable equipment is relatively common at many local races. Referees will note helmets that do not fit properly or have straps that dangle loosely below the chin; and they will ask you to rectify them before allowing you to check your bike in. Arriving with tri-bars at a draft legal race will result in you having to remove them before the start of the race. Check beforehand and make sure that your bicycle and other equipment such as wheels meet the requirements of that specific race.
9. DOPING
Unlike many of the above transgressions, this one is not usually undertaken unknowingly. There is still little knowledge about the extent to which doping is practiced in the sport of triathlon, but as an Olympic discipline, elite athletes falling under the jurisdiction of the International Triathlon Union are tested throughout the year.
10. BAD MANNERS
Perhaps caught up in the moment of racing; perhaps just plain rude - triathletes tend to take out their frustrations on marshals and officials at races. From swearing to simply ignoring instructions; you face the risk of time penalties and even disqualification if cited for this offence.
TOP TEN TRI TRANSGRESSIONS
From Multi-Sport Magazine
1: RIDING AT VENUE WITHOUT A HELMET
Did you know that you can be disciplined for not wearing a helmet when riding your bike at a race venue? This not only applies to you when riding on the race cycle course prior to the race, but also when (for example) riding your bike from your car to the transition area. You are simply not permitted to cycle at all – no matter how short the distance – without wearing your helmet. While seldom enforced at local races and quite often overlooked by referees; it can lead to serious implications for athletes racing internationally.
2. MOUNTING BEFORE THE MOUNT LINE
Eager to head out onto the cycling course, athletes will oftentimes jump on their bikes before reaching the mount line. There is no cycling permitted within the transition area to ensure the safety of all triathletes within this restricted area.
3. DISMOUNTING AFTER THE DISMOUNT LINE
Overshooting the dismount line heading back into transition is another common transgression amongst triathletes. While this is often done unintentionally, it is still illegal behaviour and will be called by referees manning the dismount line.
4. WEARING EARPHONES AND LISTENING TO MUSIC
The tell-tale wires disappearing underneath the collar of a race shirt are dead give-aways that referees will be on the lookout for as you head out of the transition area. No listening devices of any kind are permitted on any leg of a triathlon course. The ability to hear and respond to referees is limited through the use of earphones and safety of other triathletes.
5. DRAFTING IN A NON-DRAFTING RACE
Many of the races and some categories within races do not permit drafting on the cycle leg. While in some cases the drafting limits do differ; the premise is the same. You are not allowed to gain advantage by sitting behind or within a drafting zone of another athlete. Despite this being a well documented and discussed rule, drafting non-conformance is still one of the most commonplace transgressions in triathlon.
6. SECONDING DURING RACES
Triathletes need to understand that they cannot accept assistance from friends or family along the route. Many times an athlete, especially those participating in longer races, will accept drinks or will hand friends unwanted items that they may be carrying. This is seen as taking an advantage that other competitors do not have and can result in a penalty to the offender. Some common examples of this can be seen when exiting the water where athletes pass their swim caps and goggles to bystanders instead of taking them with them into transition. Other incidents involve the provision of water bottles or nutrition to the athlete during the cycle or the run.
7. TAKING THE WRONG ROUTE
While this is usually done unknowingly, taking the incorrect route can lead to disqualification. For this reason listening during race briefing is essential and studying route maps when provided is very useful.
8. INCORRECT EQUIPMENT
Trying to check into transition with the incorrect or unsuitable equipment is relatively common at many local races. Referees will note helmets that do not fit properly or have straps that dangle loosely below the chin; and they will ask you to rectify them before allowing you to check your bike in. Arriving with tri-bars at a draft legal race will result in you having to remove them before the start of the race. Check beforehand and make sure that your bicycle and other equipment such as wheels meet the requirements of that specific race.
9. DOPING
Unlike many of the above transgressions, this one is not usually undertaken unknowingly. There is still little knowledge about the extent to which doping is practiced in the sport of triathlon, but as an Olympic discipline, elite athletes falling under the jurisdiction of the International Triathlon Union are tested throughout the year.
10. BAD MANNERS
Perhaps caught up in the moment of racing; perhaps just plain rude - triathletes tend to take out their frustrations on marshals and officials at races. From swearing to simply ignoring instructions; you face the risk of time penalties and even disqualification if cited for this offence.