After evaluating the data, the team determined that under perfect testing conditions, the drafting benefit decreases rapidly as the drafting distance increases up to 5.8 meters (2 bike lengths). At drafting distances greater than 5.8 meters, the drafting benefit continues to drop, but at a greatly reduced rate. Although the engineers were not able to test for distances greater than 7.7 meters, extrapolating the data suggests that a rider trailing at six lengths would have similar draft force to a rider that's trailing at a three-length distance. What does that mean? Ironman's three bike-length rule remains intact.