Photo taken by Nicole Eliason Photography
It’s that time of the year again. Duathlon (and triathlon) season is upon us. This means getting familiar with the rules of the sport. Rules for USA Triathlon sanctioned races are pretty clear and are enforced for both athlete safety and to keep the race fair. With duathlons, most rules are related to the cycling portion of the race. Knowing the rules can not only help you avoid penalties, but also avoid potential accidents.
One of the first rules that athletes need to know to stay safe and penalty-free on the bike course is DON’T wear headphones while riding. Basically, headphones are not legal during ANY part of the event. This is a huge no-no. Not only do headphones limit your situational awareness (knowing what is going on around you), wearing headphones limits your ability to hear the instructions of race officials, cars, other participants on the course.
The next thing to remember is that while on the course, you must still follow all cycling traffic laws unless otherwise stated by the race director. For example, you must come to a complete stop at a traffic signal or traffic sign and shall not proceed through any intersection unless it is clear of oncoming traffic. Also, you cannot cross a solid yellow line even if attempting to pass another athlete.
Another rule for USAT-sanctioned events is that athletes must ride to the right-hand side of the road unless passing. Riding on the left side of the road without passing is considered blocking as you are interfering with another athletes’ ability to ride the course. You cannot hinder the progress of another competitor.
It’s also important to know that drafting is not allowed during a duathlon unless it is a draft-legal event. Drafting, or cycling directly behind or alongside another competitor, is strictly prohibited. While on the bike course, you must keep at least 22 feet (7 meters) or three bike lengths, behind the athlete in front of you. If you are closer than 22 feet, then you are considered to be in the draft zone and must now pass. You have 15 seconds for your front wheel to pass the front wheel of the athlete you are overtaking. Once passed, the overtaken athlete must drop completely out of the draft zone before attempting to re-pass. Also remember to pass on the left then immediately move back to the right.
A final, an undocumented rule to remember is to be considerate of your fellow competitors. You’re on the course with potentially several hundred other athletes. There will be a mixture of first-timers along with more seasoned athletes. It should be a fun yet safe experience for everyone. Therefore, it’s good practice and general bike etiquette to say “on your left” when you are passing someone. Also remember to do a quick check over your shoulder before you make the pass. If you feel that you won’t have time to make a pass before a faster cyclist approaches, pull back into position behind the athlete you were attempting to pass. The last thing you want to happen is to pass a slower competitor and have a collision with another competitor, faster than you, who did not announce themselves.
The rules to a USAT-sanctioned event are simple. Take the time to know them. The last thing you want is to give everything you have during an event, only to find out you earned a penalty or be the cause of an accident with another athlete. Adhering to the rules allows you to perform to the best of your abilities in a safe manner and fully enjoy the sport.