Triathlon - Rules Clarification

Hi Guys.....

I did my first Sprint distance tri this week and overall I was very pleased with the results. Thanks to everyone on these boards for sharing so much information!!

I do have a few questions on the rules.

1) My bike number fell off during the race.....paper+dripping wet shorts= paper breakage! I saw several numbers on the ground while I rode. However, during the 'first timers' briefing they told us over and over you would get a penalty for any abandoned equipment (including numbers). So, I just put the number in my hand and rode with it the whole way (I didn't want to get a penalty for NOT having it visible!). So....other than putting my number somewhere else (seat post!) would I have gotten a penalty for my number ripping and being on the ground? Did I do the right thing, or should I just have let it go?

2) The course map and the speaker at the 'first timers meeting' specifically said to walk through the transition area. I think I was one of maybe a handful that actually walked. So what's the deal with that? Do they say walk so people go a bit slower or does no one listen to that rule?? Kinda confused on that one. BTW, it was the Loggerhead Triathlon in Jupiter, FL.

3) Drafting: Ughh....it seemed like the fast people just stayed left and kept it there. Is that legal or should they pass and then get over, pass and then get over, etc. Plus then you had like 3 riders stacked, the slow, the people passing the slow, and then the fast riders who just stayed left. Is this common practice?

Overall, can't wait till my next tri! Thanks for all the help everyone! I did learn that you should never ever get off your bike and try to reattach your number......not only did it drain time but my legs were like limp worthless noodles after that, cost me from winning my division!!

Have a great one!
Monty

1) My bike number fell off during the race.....paper+dripping wet shorts= paper breakage! I saw several numbers on the ground while I rode. However, during the 'first timers' briefing they told us over and over you would get a penalty for any abandoned equipment (including numbers). So, I just put the number in my hand and rode with it the whole way (I didn't want to get a penalty for NOT having it visible!). So....other than putting my number somewhere else (seat post!) would I have gotten a penalty for my number ripping and being on the ground? Did I do the right thing, or should I just have let it go?

You did the right thing. FYI, easiest to put the number forward on the top tube or around the seat post. On the top tube really shouldn't get wet.




2) The course map and the speaker at the 'first timers meeting' specifically said to walk through the transition area. I think I was one of maybe a handful that actually walked. So what's the deal with that? Do they say walk so people go a bit slower or does no one listen to that rule?? Kinda confused on that one. BTW, it was the Loggerhead Triathlon in Jupiter, FL.

I think you may have taken this a bit too literal. Fast walk/walk/run is all acceptable. you absolutely cannot RIDE in the transition area.



3) Drafting: Ughh....it seemed like the fast people just stayed left and kept it there. Is that legal or should they pass and then get over, pass and then get over, etc. Plus then you had like 3 riders stacked, the slow, the people passing the slow, and then the fast riders who just stayed left. Is this common practice?


Common, yes. Drafting is certainly against all USAT rules. How the rest is enforced is more a function of the event organization and that's usually driven by whether it's a open (car traffic also) or closed course. For the most part it's like driving - slower traffic on the right. That said, the rider being passed has "right of way" if approaching a turn or object.