TriStar Athletes, triathlons are an individual sport! Drafting is only allowed in cycling races… However did you know you can ride draft legal in a triathlon if you are six bike links back?
You’re not actually drafting, you’re riding up to the draft zone and falling out of it so that your work rate is less than the riders in front of you.
Here are the key tips for riding safely and legally
Pedal up to the draft zone, and coast to stay out of it when you get there.
You will want to practice this in training and realize that flatter courses will have more opportunity for draft legal riding.
If the biker in front of you is riding too slow then you should pass them. Make sure to make the pass within the allotted time, or drop back if you cannot pass.
Physiologically speaking, when you pedal with coasting breaks your normalized and average power will drop tremendously.
Imagine riding a trainer at 200 W for three hours, or riding for three hours with every two minutes a coasting break at 0 W! You are lactic acid and muscles will get frequent rest breaks which will allow you to run better off the bike. ( riding in this way he can save up to 25% more energy than straight up time trialing )
This is a strategy employed by many pro athletes and top age groupers.
Keep your hands close to the brakes and controls so that you’re able to slow as needed.
Check regulations with race officials to make sure you are the proper bike distance back from other athletes.
Remember no drafting!
