Drafting/Passing
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Ironmom posted 1 year ago.
There is a set of rules regarding drafting and passing. In the US, it is common to go by the USAT rules: http://www.usatriathlon.org/upload/pdfs/usat_rules_download.pdf even if the race is not USAT sanctioned.
Generally, you need to keep at least 3 bike lengths minimum between you and the cyclist in front of you. If you pass, you have 15 seconds to do so. You can't ride to the side of someone without passing them, and if you are passed you need to immediately drop out of the draft zone to the rear and cannot overtake the person in front of you until you do so.
Definitely take the time to acquaint yourself with the drafting rules before you race. Some races are "draft legal" and they are a whole different ball game, but they are not nearly as common and you would know up front if that was the case.
Blue Skies, -Robin-
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Keebler71 posted 1 year ago.
That said, if you are going to pass someone, I don't think there is anything wrong with closing from behind in-line to get some draft benefit before pulling into the freestream on the left to complete the pass. I use all 15 seconds to pass and spend as much of it as possible in the draft zone. If I am passing two or more people each 3 or more lengths apart, I will drop in line between each as well.
Anyone have an criticism of these techniques?
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JRH posted 1 year ago.
nope. if I could pass someone on the bike that's what i'd do
:)
proud and high or low and humble - many miles before I go
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Jstyle posted 1 year ago.
Keebler71;65687 wrote:
That said, if you are going to pass someone, I don't think there is anything wrong with closing from behind in-line to get some draft benefit before pulling into the freestream on the left to completeand the pass. I use all 15 seconds to pass and spend as much of it as possible in the draft zone. If I am passing two or more people each 3 or more lengths apart, I will drop in line between each as well.Anyone have an criticism of these techniques?
Not I that's how I do it!!!
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Ironmom posted 1 year ago.
Yep, that's how I do it too. I've learned to use the stealth/slingshot approach because if I'm passing anyone, it's a competitive guy and they will usually go hell bent for leather once they see me, even if I've been catching up to them steadily, they don't want to let me pass. If I can't get past them in the first 5 seconds after they see me, I'm toast. I'm not match for most guys in the strength department.
Blue Skies, -Robin-
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wesmeyer11 posted 1 year ago.
I think the draft then pass technique is completely legal. Like stated above you have 15 seconds to make a pass. I usually am not in the draft zone too long, but I pull up right behind the person then make the pass. COmpletely legit.
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RV posted 1 year ago.
Yup me too.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
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PJT posted 1 year ago.
Keebler71;65687 wrote:
That said, if you are going to pass someone, I don't think there is anything wrong with closing from behind in-line to get some draft benefit before pulling into the freestream on the left to complete the pass. I use all 15 seconds to pass and spend as much of it as possible in the draft zone. If I am passing two or more people each 3 or more lengths apart, I will drop in line between each as well.Anyone have an criticism of these techniques?
As far as I know, the slingshot pass is legal. It's definitely faster than riding out on the left for the entire pass. I do it, but I do pull out into the passing lane early and far enough so that there isn't close wheel overlap such that a little swerve by a slower rider would send me flying.
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glbrum posted 1 year ago.
That's what I like to call "legal cheating".
I believe the rules allot 15 seconds for a pass, so as long as you are in front of them (even by one inch) within those 15 seconds you're good.
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zanzabar88 posted 1 year ago.
What if they speed up and you don't get in front of them in the 15 seconds, or you realize that it might not happen? Are you supposed to slam on the brakes and tuck in behind at three bike lengths? That sux.
I wanna start placing in my age group!
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JRH posted 1 year ago.
zanzabar88;65737 wrote:
What if they speed up and you don't get in front of them in the 15 seconds, or you realize that it might not happen? Are you supposed to slam on the brakes and tuck in behind at three bike lengths? That sux.
yep if you can't pass you are supposed to slow down and get out of their draft zone
proud and high or low and humble - many miles before I go
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UFTriGator posted 1 year ago.
No one really expects you to slam on the brakes. Most likely, race officials won't be sitting there with a stopwatch watching you (I'm sure that there ARE a few who take their job too seriously, though). Fifteen seconds is a long time, and if you can't pass someone you can most likely just leave the draft from the side and not have to worry about any penalties. Just don't do it a lot. It's pretty normal for people to travel in (hopefully non-drafting) packs, so if you incidentally slip in and out of a draft it shouldn't be a problem.
______________________________________________
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Not fast enough.
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brock1234 posted 1 year ago.
jfuentes05;65679 wrote:
Are there any rules for passing and drafting while passing? I am a slower swimmer in comparison to my bike, should I be staying in line with the person in front right up until I pass them, is that illegal?
There is one very important universal rule...
If you blow past someone thats riding around 35km/h (21mph), at 40km/h (25mph). Triathlon morals rule 21:c states
Quote:
"A cyclist (B) shall not pass another cyclist (A) at high speed, only to pull in front, and quickly drop the pace to an eventually slower speed than that of which cyclist (A) was initially travelling at. "
Are there any rules for passing and drafting while passing? I am a slower swimmer in comparison to my bike, should I be staying in line with the person in front right up until I pass them, is that illegal?