Simplystu #77: Minute Triathlon Mysteries

SimplyStu Podcast Series

ANSWER to SimplyStu Minute Triathlon Mysteries:Nice job jwm (see comments for dialog)! You're right. If any of you had to look up the rule for this, well then, great. That's the idea. Randy violated Position rule 5.10g, 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 possession the right of way.” Explanation: It’s clear the draft zone (two meters wide by seven meters long) around each of John and Randy intersected if John was able to reach out and give Randy a friendly pat on his back. As the passing cyclist, John was obligated to exit Randy’s draft zone by continuing to pass Randy, which he actually did. Though John managed to get only a half bike length ahead of Randy he only needed to get the leading edge of his front tire past the leading edge of Randy’s front tire to overtake Randy and thus officially complete the pass. At that point, having been overtaken, Randy was obligated to drop back out of John’s draft zone before attempting to re-pass John. Instead, Randy failed to drop back and instead sped up and re-passed John. jwm gets bonus points for knowing the variable time penalty. Stay tuned for the next 'Minute Triathlon Mystery.'Original Post: Welcome to the SimplyStu Minute Triathlon Mysteries. This was an idea that I had to try and get rule information into the hands of all my triathlon friends. With all the hard work that is done during training, it is silly to violate a rule and get penalized. So what was I to do? I had to ask my SimplyStu Triathlon friend and USAT certified official Mike Fox to help out. He gave me the source for the mini-podcast. I can't thank Mike enough for helping.So, case number one is fairly simple. It will give you the idea of how these work. Feel free to leave a comment here, or E-Mail who violated a rule and what rule was violated. Was it Randy, John, or MaryBeth? Was there multiple rules violations? Hmmmmmm. Have a listen and let me know what your thoughts are. In a few days, Mike will come back on and give us all the answer!!! Good luck.Just to make sure we are all clear - Minute Triathlon Mysteries are authored by Mike Fox; a triathlete and USAT certified official. Minute Triathlon Mysteries is not associated with or sanctioned by USA Triathlon. The views expressed are solely those of the author.