Source: EditorBio, More Articles
Explained by:
Jim Flint
USAT Rocky Mountain Regional Officials Coordinator
Jim.flint@cdt.cendant.com
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.
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.
What does this really mean?
Just remember to always keep 3 bicycle lengths in-between you and the cyclist in front of you. If you are passed, ease up on the pedaling and allow the person passing you to get 3 bicycle lengths in front of you before you start hammering again. When you do pass someone, make sure you have the ability to pass them before you start the pass. You can not attempt a pass, then fall back as you’ve benefited from the draft, and the rules state that once you attempt you must complete the pass.
You have 15 seconds from the time you enter the person’s draft zone until your front wheel must pass the plane of their front wheel. Once passed, that person must immediately move out of your draft zone (to the rear). If they stand up out of the saddle and try to re-pass, that’s an immediate penalty on their part as they must immediately move to the rear of your draft zone.
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Posted: May 12, 2005