"As soon as we jump in the water we are all the same!". Interview with Christian Troger http://t.co/4d664zHY
TriStar Berlin and TriStar Madrid: drafting allowed!
TriStar is organizing its races in accordance with ITU regulations.
In 2010 also all TriStar races were non- drafting races and this applies also in 2011 for most of the races. In two races of the TriStar series- in Berlin and in Madrid- drafting will however be permitted.
Why do we allow drafting in these races?
TriStar Berlin and TriStar Madrid offer a very specific setting. Held on central venues in the City center and with the BIKE courses focused around these areas, these races are multi-loop courses. Whereas in Berlin the athletes pass 5 times a loop for the last 90k, in Madrid athletes even do 10 loops to complete the 100k bike course. Although the Madrid race is limited to 500 athletes and also the Berlin race will be limited we will still see a relatively large number of athletes on a rather short bike loop.
The main goal for us organizing TriStar races is to ensure
- safety,
- fair conditions
- and fun
for all our athletes participating in our races.
From experience we know that handling the prohibition of drafting in a race with many participants and on multi-loops courses is very difficult. So we are convinced that a non-drafting regulation would not have satisfying results and it would reduce the fun factor for athletes.
Instead, with this decision considering the race specific setting, we want to ease the regulations and the race procedures for athletes and marshals so that they can focus on the race and having fun doing it while having fair and equal conditions. Everybody has the same rules and we don’t give penalties to some athletes whereas others draft without being penalized.
Safety of the race
The decision to make these races drafting races was taken in accordance with the involved triathlon federations (FMT and BTU). In both races the roads are completely closed and large enough to carry the number of athletes that we will allow to enter the race.
Of course we will be focusing on a careful briefing of all athletes on the race and specific sections. We are committed to 100% planning and safety.
Drafting- a new race experience in TriStar?
Due to the specific race setting permitting drafting is a logic decision for the events in Berlin and Madrid. But taking this as given, we want to discover the new race atmosphere coming from this and make this a unique experience for every athlete. That’s the TriStar mission: fun-focus and offering new experiences to our athletes!
What will drafting offer you?
- The BIKE part will be like a competition in itself. Athletes will have direct challenges, we will have more “dramaturgy” in the BIKE and also in the following RUN as athletes are closer. The race will be enriched with a tactical aspect! This is interesting for athletes and spectators!
- You are still the one deciding on how you want to race this race: in a group or for yourself.
- This race should be fun for you and not about trying to make sure all the time that you do not conflict with the drafting zone while being on a course with many athletes.
- Ride with your friends! You’re training with them and now you can ride with them in a race and share the experience of this race. Push yourself and push your mate.
What does that mean for me? – drafting rules
In a drafting race some of the rules are a little different. As we’re organizing our races in accordance with ITU and the national federations this will be the main specifics applying for those events:
- “For draft legal races the frame of the bicycle shall be of a traditional pattern, i.e., built around a main triangle of three straight or tapered tubular elements which may be round, oval, flattened, teardrop shaped or otherwise in cross-section”
- Both wheels need to have spokes. You can use Tri- and Fourspikes, if not messerartige Speichen.
- Only traditional drop handlebars are permitted. The handlebars must be plugged;
- Clip-on handlebars will be permitted and they are not longer than the brake levers' foremost line;
- Straight forward clip-on handlebars must be bridged with a solid material, and must not carry forward facing brake levers;
- No forward facing bar or gear shifters are allowed on the end of the clip-on handlebars. The only exception will be grip shifter;
- Elbow pads are permitted.
Click here to see and consult the regulations of ITU for drafting.
